This easy garlic confit recipe turns simple garlic into a flavorful delight. Slow-cooked in oil, each clove becomes sweet, soft, and packed with taste!
Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll find so many uses for it, from pasta to spreading on bread. I like to save the oil to drizzle over veggies—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Whole garlic cloves are essential for this recipe. You can use regular garlic or try elephant garlic for a milder taste. If you’re in a pinch and only have minced garlic, you can use that, but be careful with the cooking time as it cooks faster.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for flavor, but other oils like canola or avocado also work. Just remember that the oil should have a high smoking point if you’re aiming for a higher temperature.
Herbs: While thyme or rosemary bring nice flavors, feel free to omit them or swap in others! Bay leaves or even chili flakes can add different flavors. Just think about what pairs well with your dishes!
Salt: The salt is optional but can enhance the flavors. If you’re watching your sodium, you can skip it entirely. Alternatively, consider using a seasoning blend to add an herby punch.
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Confit Is Perfectly Soft?
Making garlic confit requires slow cooking, which is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep the oven at a low temperature (250°F) to prevent the garlic from browning.
- Cover the dish tightly to keep the moisture in, which helps cook the garlic evenly.
- Check the garlic around 1.5 hours. If it’s not soft and tender, give it more time but monitor it closely.
Patience is your best friend here, so don’t rush the cooking process! Enjoy the rich flavor it adds to your meals.
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Flavorful Cooking
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole garlic cloves, peeled (about 4-5 bulbs of garlic)
- 2 cups olive oil (or enough to fully submerge the garlic cloves)
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor
- Optional: 1/2 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy garlic confit recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to slow-cook it in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Total time including cooking is around 2 hours and 15 minutes. After cooking, allow for it to cool before storing. Simple and rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). A low temperature is key here, as it allows the garlic to cook slowly and become tender without burning.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
Peel the garlic cloves carefully to keep them whole and intact. Place them in an oven-safe dish or small saucepan. The whole cloves will give the best texture and flavor in the end.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Next, pour the olive oil over the garlic cloves. Make sure all the cloves are fully submerged in oil to ensure they cook evenly and develop that rich flavor.
4. Enhance with Herbs:
If you want to boost the flavor even more, add in the fresh thyme or rosemary alongside the salt. This will infuse the garlic with aromatic hints of herbs that complement many dishes.
5. Cover the Dish:
To prevent any splattering and keep the moisture in, cover the dish with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil. This will create a little steamy environment perfect for softening the garlic.
6. Bake Until Tender:
Place the covered dish in the oven and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check on the garlic—it should be soft, tender, and lightly golden. Avoid browning to ensure the sweet flavors shine through.
7. Cool Down:
Once done, carefully take the dish out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. This step is important to enhance the depth of flavor as it rests.
8. Store Your Confit:
Transfer the garlic confit cloves and the oil into a clean jar. Make sure everything is sealed tightly. You can store this in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks—if it lasts that long!
9. Enjoy the Flavor:
Now you can use these delicious garlic cloves in so many ways! Spread them on bread, mix them into mashed potatoes, toss them in pasta dishes, or blend them into sauces. Don’t forget to use the infused oil for drizzling over veggies or in salad dressings. The flavor is simply divine!
Enjoy your flavorful garlic confit that enhances any dish with its mild, sweet, and aromatic garlic goodness!
FAQ: Easy Garlic Confit Recipe
Can I Use Unpeeled Garlic?
For the best results, it’s important to use peeled garlic cloves. Unpeeled garlic won’t soften properly and can take much longer to cook. Stick with peeled cloves for that lovely, tender texture.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Confits?
If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator! Garlic confit can last about 2 weeks. Just make sure the garlic is fully submerged in oil to maintain freshness.
How Can I Use Garlic Confit in My Cooking?
Garlic confit is super versatile! Use the softened cloves on toast, mix them into mashed potatoes, toss them in pasta, or blend them into sauces. You can also use the infused oil for dressings, drizzling over veggies, or cooking other dishes.
Can I Freeze Garlic Confit?
Yes, you can freeze garlic confit! Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for several months—just thaw the amount you need for cooking!
