Garlic confit might sound fancy, but it’s actually quite straightforward to prepare, and the results are transformative. Imagine tender cloves of garlic that melt in your mouth, infusing every dish with a rich, buttery flavor.
With just a bit of time and patience, you can easily make this delicious, versatile condiment at home and elevate even the simplest meals. Whether it’s mashed potatoes, pasta, or a slice of toasted bread, a dollop of garlic confit can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
I recall the first time I made garlic confit; the aroma filled my entire kitchen and transported me to a small French bistro. Having used it to enhance everything from soups to pastas, I can confidently say it’s a staple worth having in your kitchen. Not only does it pack a punch in flavor, but it’s also a beautiful nod to the art of French cooking. The slow cooking process in oil transforms the ingredients, similar to making duck confit.
You’ll find that using garlic confit is a wonderful way to introduce subtlety and richness to your dishes. It’s not just about the garlic—it’s about the experience of savoring each bite that has been lovingly enhanced.
So, if you’re ready to explore something deliciously new, garlic confit is your next culinary adventure.
Why You Will Love Garlic Confit
Garlic confit is a culinary gem that transforms ordinary dishes. Imagine spreading creamy, softened garlic on warm bread. It melts in your mouth, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that is less pungent than raw garlic.
In your kitchen, garlic confit can be a versatile ingredient. Add it to pastas, mix it into vinaigrettes, or spread it over roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless.
Making garlic confit is simple and rewarding. Unlike roasting, where you deal with sticky skins, here you cook peeled cloves in oil, making the process a breeze.
Garlic confit isn’t just delicious—it’s also practical. Stored properly, it lasts up to three weeks in your fridge. This makes meal prep smooth and efficient.
Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner, incorporating garlic confit into your recipes adds depth and richness. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved addition to many kitchens.
How To Make Garlic Confit
Garlic confit is a flavorful and handy ingredient that can be used in many dishes. You’ll gently cook garlic cloves in extra-virgin olive oil with herbs and spices, creating a soft, sweet profile perfect for various recipes.
Ingredients
To make garlic confit, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Start with plenty of garlic cloves, peeled and ready to use. You’ll need about 2 cups of extra-virgin olive oil or your preferred fat like avocado oil.
Fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary are great options. Add bay leaves, a few peppercorns, and optionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes or even dried red chiles for a bit of heat.
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before you start. The use of fresh and quality items will significantly affect the flavor of your homemade confit.
Instruments
Gathering the right tools makes the process smoother.
You’ll need an ovenproof saucepan or a small baking dish to cook the garlic confit. A sheet tray can be helpful to catch any spills. Also, prepare a spatula for stirring.
Have a clean glass jar ready for storing your confit after it cools down. If you’re planning to cool your confit quickly, an ice bath can speed up the process.
Step By Step Instruction
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. This low heat ensures your garlic cooks slowly without burning.
- Peel the garlic cloves and place them in your saucepan or dish.
- Pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until all cloves are submerged. It’s crucial that the garlic is fully covered to cook evenly and preserve well.
- Add fresh herbs, like thyme and rosemary, along with bay leaves, peppercorns, and spices of choice. These add aromatic flavors to the garlic confit.
- Place in the oven and bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the garlic is soft but not falling apart.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer the garlic and oil to a clean jar.
Store your confit in the refrigerator once cooled. Enjoy this delicious, versatile ingredient with your favorite foods!
Tips & Tricks
When making garlic confit, quality matters. Use high-quality olive oil to create a rich, garlic-infused oil that enhances your dishes.
Prepping garlic can seem like a chore, but try using a silicone garlic peeler to make removing the skins easier. You’ll save time and keep your hands free from the garlic smell.
While cooking the garlic, keep the heat low to prevent it from burning. Slow cooking helps the garlic develop a soft texture and sweet flavor.
If you have fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on hand, toss them in to add an extra layer of flavor.
Once your garlic confit is ready and cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigeration is essential to prevent spoilage and keep your garlic fresh for up to two weeks.
If you’re left with more garlic-infused oil than you can use right away, don’t worry. This oil makes a great base for salad dressings, marinades, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Ingredient Substitute
Sometimes, you might need to swap ingredients for garlic confit, whether due to preference, allergies, or availability.
Olive Oil is the classic choice for garlic confit. It gives a rich, fruity flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use canola or vegetable oil. These options offer a more neutral taste while still achieving the same texture.
If you want something different, try using garlic oil. This will deepen the garlic flavor even more, making it perfect for garlic lovers.
Butter can also be a good substitute if you want a creamy texture. It adds a velvety richness, but be aware that butter will change the flavor profile slightly. Use unsalted butter to keep the dish balanced.
When it comes to herbs, thyme is commonly used. If you don’t have thyme, feel free to try rosemary or oregano. These herbs add an earthy note to the confit.
Experimenting with these ingredient alternatives is part of the cooking fun. You might discover a new favorite flavor combination. Just make sure your garlic is fully submerged in whichever oil or butter you choose to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
What To Serve With Garlic Confit
Garlic confit is a delicious addition to many meals. Start simple with crusty bread or toast. Spread some garlic confit on top for an easy yet satisfying snack. The rich flavor will elevate even the plainest bread.
For a heartier dish, try mixing garlic confit into mashed potatoes. This will add a savory depth that’s perfect with roasted meats.
You can also use it to enhance pasta dishes. Toss it in spaghetti or fettuccine with a bit of Parmesan cheese.
Garlic confit makes an excellent base for salad dressings and vinaigrettes. Combine it with olive oil and vinegar for a flavorful dressing. This can be drizzled over leafy greens for a refreshing salad.
Add a spoonful of garlic confit to your soups for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with creamy soups, enriching each spoonful with garlic goodness.
You might also stir it into dips as a unique twist. Mix garlic confit with caramelized onions for a savory topping on burgers or steak. It creates a delightful contrast of flavors that can spice up any dish.
Lastly, try it on garlic bread. A smear of garlic confit before baking takes classic garlic bread to a new level.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
If you love the sweet, mellow flavor that garlic confit brings to your dishes, you’ll be interested in its nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of garlic confit’s nutrition in list form:
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 tablespoon (12 grams)
- Calories: 40
- Macronutrient Breakdown:
- Carbohydrates: 20%
- Fat: 80%
- Protein: 0%
- Total Fat: 3.5 to 4 grams
- Contributes to 4% of your daily value (DV)
- Vitamin E: Offers about 26% of your DV, which is great for skin and eye health
Be cautious when storing garlic confit to prevent botulism. Keep it in the fridge and use it within a week. Enjoy its special flavor, but discard it if you notice any off smells or textures.
Garlic Confit
Equipment
- Ovenproof saucepan or small baking dish
- Spatula for stirring
- Clean glass jar for storing
Ingredients
- 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil or preferred fat like avocado oil
- Fresh garlic cloves peeled
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp peppercorns
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or dried chiles for heat
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place garlic cloves in the ovenproof dish, submerge them in olive oil, and add herbs, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
- Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking occasionally until the garlic is soft but not falling apart.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Transfer the garlic and oil to a clean jar.
- Store in the refrigerator once cooled, and enjoy within 2-3 weeks.
Notes
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 3.5–4g (80% of calories)
- Carbohydrates: 20%
- Protein: 0%
- Vitamin E: 26% of your daily value
