Garlic Confit
There’s something magical about Garlic Confit. I still remember the first time I tasted it; the rich, buttery flavor lingered on my palate long after the meal. It was a cozy evening, and I had just come home after a long day. The aroma that filled the kitchen as I prepared this dish was intoxicating. Softening those fresh, aromatic cloves in olive oil transformed the whole atmosphere, making me feel warm and welcomed. This dish not only elevates any meal but also leaves you with a delicious spread that you can savor in countless ways. Whether you enjoy it on warm bread, mixed into pasta, or as a delightful garnish for meats and vegetables, Garlic Confit is a true game changer in the kitchen. What I love most is its simplicity: just a few quality ingredients can create something extraordinarily delicious. Whenever I share this recipe with friends, they are always surprised by how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be.
Recipe Snapshot
55 mins
10 mins
45 mins
Medium
120 kcal
0 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
14 g
Oven, Peeler, Baking Sheet
What We Adore About This Garlic Confit
It’s Incredibly Versatile
One of the reasons I adore Garlic Confit is its versatility. You can use it in so many dishes! From creamy pasta sauces to savory spreads, the possibilities are endless. You can even enjoy it in dressings and marinades. It’s a fantastic way to add depth to your meals.
Rich and Flavorful
The slow cooking process allows the garlic to mellow and sweeten, resulting in a rich flavor. Unlike raw garlic, which can be pungent, confit garlic has a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. This transformation makes it a favorite ingredient for many chefs.
Simple Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a luscious addition to any dish. The combination of fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and quality olive oil creates a beautiful balance that enhances everything it touches. Plus, you’ll find these ingredients in most kitchens!
Make It Ahead of Time
Another great feature of Garlic Confit is that it can be made ahead of time. Once you prepare it, it lasts in the fridge for weeks. This means you can have this flavorful ingredient ready whenever you want to elevate a meal!
Healthy Benefits
Garlic is known for its health benefits, including boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. When you make Garlic Confit, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also giving your body a little extra love. It’s a win-win!
Ingredient List for Garlic Confit
When it comes to making Garlic Confit, it’s all about quality ingredients. The harmony of flavors comes from the natural sweetness of the roasted garlic paired with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Olive oil plays an essential role here, not only as a cooking medium but also as a flavor enhancer. Together, these ingredients create a delectable confit that can transform any dish.
- 5 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled (or 2 1/3 cups of pre-peeled cloves): The star of the show; roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow.
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary: Adds aromatic flavor and fragrance.
- 1 bay leaf: Contributes depth and complexity to the flavor.
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme: Complements the garlic with its earthy notes.
- 4 whole black peppercorns: Introduces a subtle warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 2/3 cups extra virgin olive oil: The medium that makes it all possible, adding richness.
Step by Step Guide for Garlic Confit
Making Garlic Confit is a straightforward process that results in something truly special. With just a few steps, you can enjoy the rich flavors that come from slow-roasting garlic until it’s tender and sweet. Let’s dive into the steps!
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This lower temperature will allow the garlic to roast gently, ensuring it becomes soft without burning. Make sure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
Place the peeled garlic cloves in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish. Spread them out so each clove has ample space to roast evenly. Carefully selecting a dish that retains heat well will help.
Add the rosemary, bay leaf, thyme, black peppercorns, and salt. These ingredients will infuse the garlic with aromatic flavors as it cooks.
Pour the olive oil over the garlic so that most of the cloves are submerged. This oil will not only help cook the garlic but also preserve it for later use. If you find that it’s not fully covered, add more oil.
Bake for 45 minutes until the garlic is soft and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t brown too much; you want a lovely golden color.
Remove from the oven, let cool completely. This cooling step is essential as it allows the flavors to settle and intensify.
Transfer the garlic and some of the oil into a clean jar. Make sure you use a jar that’s sanitized to keep everything fresh for longer.
Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks. Enjoy the garlic confit in various dishes or simply as a spread.
Use the garlic confit as a spread, in dressings, or as a garnish for your favorite dishes. Its versatility is one of the many reasons you’ll want to keep some on hand!
Things Worth Knowing
- Storage: Store Garlic Confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy its flavor for days.
- Oil Usage: The infused oil is just as valuable as the garlic itself. Use it for salad dressings or drizzling over vegetables to enhance their flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking is key. Rushing can lead to burnt garlic, which will ruin the dish. Patience is a virtue here.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano. Each will give the garlic confit a unique twist!
Recipe Notes about Garlic Confit
Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Garlic Confit experience. These pointers will ensure you achieve the best results and enjoy this delightful dish.
- Storage: Keep the garlic confit in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can last two weeks, so you can enjoy it multiple times.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Garlic Confit. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should last up to three months.
- Pairing: It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and crusty bread. Try it as a topping on a savory pizza.
- Variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Use the Oil: Don’t forget about the oil! It’s infused with all the flavors and can be used for cooking or drizzling.
- Gift Idea: Prepare a batch and put it in a pretty jar. It makes a great gift for friends who love cooking!
Serving Options for Garlic Confit
When it comes to serving Garlic Confit, the options are endless! It adds a burst of flavor to many dishes, making it a great staple in your kitchen.
- Spread on Toast: Use Garlic Confit as a delicious spread on toasted baguette slices or sourdough for an appetizer.
- Pasta Delight: Mix it into pasta dishes for added depth. It works wonderfully in cream-based sauces.
- Savory Garnish: Top grilled meats with garlic confit to elevate the flavor profile of your dishes.
- In Dressings: Blend into salad dressings for a unique flavor twist.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with garlic confit to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Wrap Up a Meal: Serve it alongside your favorite meats at gatherings or dinners to impress guests.
FAQ
Conclusion
Garlic Confit is truly special because it transforms the humble garlic into a luxurious ingredient that enhances any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe; you’ll be amazed by the depth of flavor it brings to your dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Treat yourself to this delightful addition to your kitchen today.
Garlic Confit
Equipment
- Oven
- Peeler
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 5 heads garlic cloves separated and peeled (or 2 1/3 cups of pre-peeled cloves)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.67 cups extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add the rosemary, bay leaf, thyme, black peppercorns, and salt.
- Pour the olive oil over the garlic so that most of the cloves are submerged.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the garlic is soft and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool completely.
- Transfer the garlic and some of the oil into a clean jar.
- Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.
- Use the garlic confit as a spread, in dressings, or as a garnish for your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the garlic confit in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can last two weeks, so you can enjoy it multiple times.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Garlic Confit. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should last up to three months.
- Pairing: It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and crusty bread. Try it as a topping on a savory pizza.
- Variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Use the Oil: Don’t forget about the oil! It’s infused with all the flavors and can be used for cooking or drizzling.
- Gift Idea: Prepare a batch and put it in a pretty jar. It makes a great gift for friends who love cooking!
