This easy garlic confit is a warm and buttery delight! Just slow cook garlic cloves in olive oil until they’re soft and sweet. It’s perfect for adding flavor to your dishes!
I love spreading it on bread or mixing it into pasta—it makes everything taste fancy without much effort! Plus, the house smells amazing while it cooks. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for great flavor—look for firm, large bulbs. If you’re short on fresh, you could use pre-peeled garlic for convenience, though it might not have the same depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best for a rich taste. However, if you’re on a budget, regular olive oil or even other oils like avocado oil can work too! Just be mindful of the flavor they’ll bring.
Fresh Herbs: Using thyme or rosemary adds a lovely aroma, but feel free to skip them or use dried herbs. I sometimes throw in a few peppercorns for a little spice!
How Do I Get the Perfect Garlic Confit Without Burning It?
The key to perfect garlic confit is cooking it low and slow. This gentle method allows the garlic to become sweet and soft without browning, which can turn it bitter. Follow these tips for success:
- Start with low heat on the stovetop or oven to keep the oil at a gentle simmer.
- Be patient! Cook for 45 minutes to an hour to achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Check the garlic occasionally. If you see bubbling too aggressively, reduce the heat.
When done right, you’ll be rewarded with sweet garlic that enhances everything it touches! Enjoy!
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Every Kitchen
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves (about 2 bulbs)
- 2 cups olive oil (enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (for added aroma)
- Optional: pinch of salt
Total Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 45 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time. Then, you’ll let it cool before storage, but it’s mostly hands-off work! Overall, you’ll want to dedicate about an hour and a half to this deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic:
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. Make sure to remove all the skin while keeping the cloves whole and intact. This helps preserve their lovely flavor!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Grab a small saucepan or oven-safe dish. Place the peeled garlic cloves in a single layer at the bottom. Pour in enough olive oil to fully submerge the garlic. If you’re using fresh herbs, toss those in too!
3. Cooking Time:
Now, it’s time to let the magic happen! Heat your garlic and oil mixture gently. If you’re using the stovetop, set it to low heat. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 200°F (95°C). Remember, we want a gentle simmer—no boiling!
4. Slow Cook:
Let the garlic cook slowly for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the cloves are tender, golden, and soft but not browned or burnt. Enjoy the beautiful aroma filling your kitchen!
5. Cool Down:
Once cooked, remove it from the heat and let the garlic confit cool in the oil. This helps the flavors meld even more.
6. Store Your Confit:
After it’s cooled down, carefully transfer the garlic and oil into a clean glass jar or container. Make sure it’s covered, and store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks!
7. Use and Enjoy:
Now for the fun part! Use the soft confit garlic cloves on bread, mixed into sauces, dressings, or even mashed potatoes. The garlic-infused oil is fantastic for cooking or drizzling over your favorite dishes.
Enjoy this rich, mellow garlic flavor that enhances a variety of dishes effortlessly! Happy cooking!
FAQ about Easy Garlic Confit
Can I use whole garlic bulbs instead of peeled cloves?
It’s best to use peeled garlic cloves for this recipe. Whole bulbs can take much longer to cook through and may not achieve the same creamy texture. If you’re short on time, consider buying pre-peeled garlic for convenience!
How can I store leftover garlic confit?
Store your garlic confit in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure the garlic is fully submerged in oil at all times to prevent spoilage!
What if my garlic starts to brown during cooking?
If you notice the garlic browning, reduce the heat immediately. Garlic should be cooked at a gentle simmer to develop its sweet flavor without burning. It’s essential to keep an eye on it throughout the cooking process!
Can I freeze garlic confit for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze garlic confit! Pour the cooled garlic and oil into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag. This way, you can pop out individual portions as needed!
