Garlic Confit Recipe: Garlic confit is a French cooking technique where garlic cloves are slowly cooked in oil until they become soft, golden, and incredibly flavorful. The result is sweet, mellow, and buttery garlic that spreads easily and enhances a wide range of dishes.
Unlike raw garlic, which has a sharp and pungent flavor, confit garlic is mild, slightly sweet, and rich. It’s an excellent way to preserve garlic and make it more versatile in cooking.
Why Should You Make Garlic Confit?
- It’s easy to make and requires minimal effort.
- It lasts for weeks when stored properly.
- It’s a fantastic way to add depth of flavor to dishes.
- It reduces food waste by preserving garlic for longer.
What You Need to Make Garlic Confit
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of peeled garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups of olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 sprig of rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
- ½ teaspoon of black peppercorns (optional)
Equipment:
- A small saucepan or an oven-safe dish
- A stovetop or oven
- A slotted spoon
- A clean, airtight jar for storage
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Confit
Step 1: Choosing the Right Garlic
The quality of garlic is crucial for making garlic confit. Choose fresh, firm, and plump garlic bulbs with no signs of sprouting. Avoid soft, shriveled, or moldy cloves.
Step 2: Peeling the Garlic Cloves
Peeling garlic can be a tedious task, but here’s an easy trick:
- Place the garlic cloves in a bowl and cover it with another bowl.
- Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- The peels should loosen, making them easy to remove.
Alternatively, you can soak the cloves in warm water for a few minutes to make peeling easier.
Step 3: Selecting the Right Oil
Olive oil is the best choice for garlic confit because of its rich flavor, but you can also use:
- Avocado oil
- Sunflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Canola oil
Avoid using coconut oil, as it solidifies at cooler temperatures.
Step 4: Adding Herbs and Seasonings
For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. You can also toss in black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of salt. These additions infuse the oil with more depth and aroma.
Step 5: Slow-Cooking the Garlic
On the Stovetop:
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan.
- Pour in the oil, ensuring all cloves are submerged.
- Set the heat to low (don’t let it boil).
- Simmer gently for 30-45 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
In the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place garlic cloves and oil in an oven-safe dish.
- Add herbs and spices, if using.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until garlic is soft.
How to Store Garlic Confit Safely
To prevent bacterial growth, especially botulism, always store garlic confit in the refrigerator.
Refrigeration Tips:
- Transfer cooled garlic confit into a clean, airtight jar.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can You Freeze Garlic Confit?
Yes! To extend shelf life, freeze garlic confit in small portions using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and use within 3 months.
Ways to Use Garlic Confit
Garlic confit is a versatile ingredient. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Spread on Toast – Mash a few cloves and spread on warm bread.
- Mix with Pasta – Toss with cooked pasta for an easy garlic-infused dish.
- Add to Mashed Potatoes – Blend into mashed potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Enhance Soups & Stews – Stir into soups or stews for added depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic – Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the garlic and make it bitter.
- Using the Wrong Oil – Avoid oils with strong flavors that overpower the garlic.
- Improper Storage – Always refrigerate garlic confit to prevent bacterial contamination.
FAQs about Garlic Confit Recipe
What is garlic confit?
Garlic confit refers to the process of slowly cooking whole garlic cloves in oil at a low temperature. This method not only preserves the garlic but also imparts a milder, sweeter flavor compared to raw garlic.
How do you store garlic confit?
To ensure safety and maintain quality, store garlic confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to two weeks when properly refrigerated. Ensure the garlic is fully submerged in oil to prevent spoilage.
Can garlic confit be frozen?
Yes, garlic confit can be frozen for long-term storage. Freeze it in small batches, either in ice cube trays or airtight containers. Once frozen, the confit can last up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
What type of oil is best for making garlic confit?
Olive oil is commonly used due to its flavor and health benefits, but you can also use other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil depending on your taste preference.
Is garlic confit safe to make at home?
Yes, it’s safe if proper food safety guidelines are followed. The key is to maintain a clean environment, use fresh ingredients, and store the confit properly to prevent the growth of botulinum bacteria.
What are some uses for garlic confit?
Garlic confit can be used in a variety of dishes. Spread it on bread, mix into mashed potatoes, blend into salad dressings, or stir into pasta sauces for a rich, deep flavor.
Does cooking garlic confit produce a strong odor?
While garlic is known for its potent smell, confiting it at a low temperature tends to produce a much milder aroma. The slow cooking process allows the garlic to become sweet and aromatic without the sharpness of raw garlic.
Conclusion
Garlic confit is an easy and delicious way to preserve and enhance the flavor of garlic. With its rich, mellow taste and creamy texture, it’s perfect for elevating any dish. Try making it at home and discover how versatile it can be!
