This Easy Garlic Confit is all about buttery, tender garlic cloves, slow-cooked in olive oil. It’s perfect for adding rich flavor to any dish without too much fuss!
If you’re like me, you’ll want to use this magic garlic on everything! Spread it on bread, toss it with pasta, or just keep it handy to brighten up your meals. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for confit. You can use peeled cloves from the store for convenience, but if you want a more garlicky punch, buy bulk garlic and peel it yourself. If you need a milder flavor, shallots can be a great substitute.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for this recipe due to its rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, light olive oil, avocado oil, or even grapeseed oil work well, though they might alter the taste slightly.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add a lovely aroma. If you don’t have these herbs, feel free to use dried herbs or omit them altogether. Even bay leaves can give a nice touch if you have those on hand.
Why Is Slow Cooking Important in This Recipe?
Slow cooking the garlic at a low temperature is what makes garlic confit special. It allows the garlic to soften and sweeten without burning. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven well; a consistent low temperature helps in gently cooking the garlic.
- Covering the dish is important. This keeps moisture in and helps cook the garlic evenly without drying it out.
- Check the garlic at around 90 minutes; it should be golden and tender but not brown. Browning means it’s cooked too fast and might be bitter.
After cooking, let it cool before storing, so the flavors meld together beautifully!
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Flavorful Cooking
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 cups olive oil (enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
- Optional: 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy garlic confit recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 90 minutes to 2 hours of cooking time in the oven. Be sure to allow it to cool before storing. Overall, you can enjoy your flavorful garlic confit in about 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Meanwhile, peel the garlic cloves—this is a great time to chat with a friend or listen to some music!
2. Arrange Garlic in the Dish:
Place the peeled garlic cloves in a snug oven-safe dish or a small pot. Choose something that fits the garlic well but isn’t too big—this helps with even cooking.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Pour enough olive oil over the garlic cloves until they are completely submerged. It should look like a delicious garlic swimming pool!
4. Enhance the Flavor:
If you like, you can add sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary and sprinkle in the black peppercorns for extra flavor. It’s all about making it taste just the way you want!
5. Cover and Cook:
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Now, place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Keep an eye on it; the garlic should become tender and golden without browning too much!
6. Cool Down:
Once the garlic is nice and soft, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool down to room temperature. This is also the time to enjoy that gorgeous garlic aroma filling your kitchen!
7. Store Your Confit:
Carefully transfer the garlic confit along with the oil into a clean jar. Don’t forget to add salt to taste. It’ll help to bring out all the amazing flavors!
8. Enjoy!
Store your garlic confit in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use the tender garlic and luscious oil in your favorite recipes to elevate everything from bread to pasta and meats. Enjoy the rich, mellow, and tender garlic that’s perfect for adding flavor to any dish!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Confit
Can I Use Whole Garlic Bulbs Instead of Peeled Cloves?
For this recipe, it’s best to use peeled garlic cloves to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Whole bulbs would take much longer and may not turn out as well. If you have a lot of peeled cloves, you can use them without worry!
What Should I Do If the Garlic Starts to Brown?
If you notice the garlic starting to brown, it means the temperature might be too high. Make sure your oven is set to 200°F (95°C). If needed, you can lower the temperature and continue cooking, checking frequently until you achieve the desired tenderness without browning.
Can I Store Garlic Confit at Room Temperature?
No, it’s important to store garlic confit in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Enjoy it within 2 weeks while stored in an airtight container. The oil will solidify when cold, but it will return to liquid as it warms up!
How Can I Use Garlic Confit in My Cooking?
You can use garlic confit in many ways! Spread it on toasted bread, mix it into pasta dishes, mash it into potatoes, or use it as a flavorful addition to dressings and marinades. The oil can also be used in cooking for added flavor!
