This easy garlic confit is the perfect way to make garlic buttery and soft. Just cook the cloves in oil until they’re golden and sweet – so simple!
I love spreading this on bread or adding it to pasta. It’s like a little jar of flavor magic! Plus, my kitchen smells amazing while it cooks. 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key for that rich flavor. You can use less if you prefer a milder taste, or even roasted garlic for a sweeter note, but it won’t have the same texture as confit.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor. If you want a lighter taste, you can swap it with grapeseed oil or avocado oil. Just make sure the oil is enough to cover the garlic completely.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme or rosemary add a lovely aroma. If you don’t have them, dried herbs work too! You can skip the peppercorns if you’re watching your spice level.
How Can I Cook Garlic Confit without Burning It?
The secret to perfect garlic confit is low and slow cooking. Follow these steps to avoid burning the garlic:
- Heat the oil on the lowest setting possible. The bubbles should be tiny, not boiling.
- Be patient! Cooking for 45 minutes to 1 hour ensures the garlic softens and sweetens without browning.
- Stir occasionally to maintain even cooking, checking the color and tenderness of the garlic.
Follow these tips and enjoy your delicious garlic confit! It’s wonderful as a flavor booster in meals or simply enjoyed with crusty bread!
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups garlic cloves, peeled (about 3-4 heads of garlic)
- 2 cups olive oil (or enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- Optional: 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 45 minutes to 1 hour for cooking. Just let it simmer on low heat and your kitchen will fill with that wonderful garlic aroma!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Peel the Garlic:
Start by peeling your garlic cloves carefully. You want to remove all the skins but leave the cloves whole. If you haven’t done this before, it can be a bit tedious, but it’s worth it!
2. Prep the Oil:
In a small saucepan, add the peeled garlic cloves and pour enough olive oil to fully cover them. It’s important the garlic is fully submerged to cook evenly.
3. Add Extra Flavor:
If you’d like, toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor. A few black peppercorns work well, too, for a little spice.
4. Cooking Time:
Now, turn the heat on very low. You want the oil to just barely simmer—no boiling! Watch it closely as you want to avoid frying the garlic. Let it gently bubble for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Check Readiness:
Stir the garlic occasionally. It’s done when it turns a light golden color and is super tender when poked with a fork. Yum!
6. Cool It Down:
When the garlic is ready, take the pan off the heat and let it cool completely in the oil. This allows the flavors to deepen even more!
7. Store Your Garlic Confit:
Transfer the garlic and oil into a clean jar or an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate this tasty treat!
8. Enjoy It:
You can use the soft garlic cloves spread on toast, mixed into sauces or mashed potatoes, or tossed into pasta dishes. Don’t forget the delicious infused oil for salad dressings or cooking!
9. Storage:
Your garlic confit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Trust me, it won’t last that long because it’s so good!
Enjoy this simple way to transform raw garlic into sweet, buttery cloves that add rich flavor to many dishes!
FAQ About Easy Garlic Confit
Can I Use Whole Garlic Bulbs Instead of Peeled Cloves?
While whole bulbs won’t work for confit, don’t worry! Just peel the cloves from the bulb as instructed in the recipe. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender, creating the perfect confit!
How Should I Store Garlic Confit?
Store your garlic confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure the garlic is always submerged in oil to prevent spoilage.
Can I Freeze Garlic Confit for Longer Storage?
Yes, you can! Pour the cooled garlic confit into an ice cube tray or small containers and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. They can last for up to 3 months, ready for you to pop into dishes whenever you need!
How Can I Use Garlic Confit Besides Spreading It on Toast?
Garlic confit is incredibly versatile! You can add it to sauces, mix it into mashed potatoes, toss it with pasta, or use it in salad dressings. The infused oil is also wonderful for sautéing vegetables or drizzling over roasted meats!
