How to Make Garlic Confit: The Perfect Addition to Your Culinary Adventures!

The flavor of garlic confit is rich, mellow, and sweet, with a subtle nuttiness. It has a creamy texture and a deep, aromatic essence that enhances any dish it accompanies.

Savory roasted garlic delights the palate with its rich, mellow flavor. The slow-cooked cloves become tender, sweet, and nutty, adding a creamy texture and deep aroma. We love adding this to mashed potatoes, salad dressings, and pasta sauce. It’s absolutely superb on garlic bread and crostini.

Ingredients for Garlic Confit

This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients. I bet you have most of these already in your pantry!

Main ingredients

• Garlic cloves: The star ingredient of garlic confit, garlic cloves provide the distinct flavor and aroma that infuses the oil during the slow-cooking process. They add a rich, savory taste and depth to any dish.
• High-quality Oil: The choice of oil is crucial as it serves as the medium for cooking and preserving the garlic. A high-quality oil, like olive oil or vegetable oil, enhances the overall flavor profile and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. I prefer to use olive oil for this recipe.
• Aromatic herbs: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves infuse the garlic oil with additional layers of fragrance and complexity. They complement the garlic’s flavor and create a harmonious blend of aromatics.
• Optional spices or seasonings: Adding spices or seasonings is a personal preference that can enhance the flavor profile. Black peppercorns or red pepper flakes, for example, can introduce a hint of spice or warmth, further enhancing the overall taste experience.

How to Make Garlic Confit

Mastering garlic confit is a breeze and takes only a few simple steps.

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a small oven-safe bowl, add the peeled garlic cloves in a single layer.
• Pour enough oil over the garlic cloves to fully submerge them. The cloves should be completely covered with oil.
• Add fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme sprigs, for additional flavor if desired. You can also add spices or seasonings of your choice.
• Place the oven-safe dish in the oven. Let the garlic confit simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the cloves become soft, tender, and fragrant.
• Remove from the oven and let the garlic confit cool to room temperature in the oil.
• Once cooled, transfer the garlic confit along with the oil into a clean, airtight container.

Why this Recipe Works

This garlic confit recipe works for several reasons:

1. Flavor development: Slow-cooking the garlic cloves in oil allows their flavors to mellow and develop gradually. This process brings out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of the garlic, resulting in a rich, complex taste.
2. Tender and creamy texture: The gentle cooking process ensures that the garlic cloves become tender and soft without browning or becoming overly pungent. This yields a creamy texture that can be easily spread or incorporated into various dishes.
3. Infused oil: As the garlic cooks, its flavors infuse into the oil, creating a fragrant and flavorful oil that can be used in cooking or as a condiment. The infused oil adds a touch of garlic essence to any recipe it is used in, enhancing the overall taste.
4. Versatility: Garlic confit is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. It can be added to sauces, dressings, marinades, pasta, roasted vegetables, or simply spread on bread. Its flavor and texture elevate the taste of various recipes, making it a valuable culinary staple.
5. Longevity and convenience: Garlic confit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This allows for meal planning and the convenience of having pre-prepared garlic on hand whenever needed, saving time and effort in daily cooking.

Overall, this recipe works because it transforms raw garlic into a delicately flavored, tender, and versatile ingredient that adds depth and richness to a variety of dishes.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks:

1. Use fresh, high-quality garlic cloves for the best flavor.
2. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the aromatic profile.
3. Slow-cook the garlic at a low temperature to achieve softness without browning.
4. Store the confit in a jar submerged in oil to preserve its freshness.
5. Experiment with different oils like olive oil or avocado oil for unique flavors.
6. Use the leftover garlic-infused oil for cooking or as a delicious salad dressing.
7. Garlic confit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Recipe Variations:

• Lemon-Garlic: Infuse the garlic with fresh lemon zest for a tangy twist.
• Spicy Garlic: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili for a fiery kick.
• Herb-infused Garlic: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for varied flavors.
• Roasted Garlic: Oven-roast the garlic cloves before preserving in oil for a caramelized taste.
• Black Garlic: Use aged black garlic cloves for a unique and umami-rich confit.

Serving Suggestions

1. Spread on toasted baguette slices for a flavorful appetizer.
2. Toss into pasta dishes for a burst of savory goodness.
3. Use it as a condiment for roasted meats, adding depth to your main course.
4. Incorporate into salad dressings or marinades for an aromatic touch.
5. Mix into mashed potatoes or creamy dips for a flavorful twist.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

1. Transfer the garlic along with the infused oil, into a clean, airtight container.
2. Ensure that all the garlic cloves are fully submerged in the oil to prevent spoilage.
3. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezing Instructions:

1. If you want to extend the shelf life of your garlic confit, freezing is an option.
2. Transfer the garlic confit, including the oil, into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
3. Seal the container or bags tightly, removing any excess air.
4. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Instructions:

1. To use the refrigerated confit, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the oil.
2. If desired, you can gently warm the garlic confit in a small saucepan [paid link] over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the burning or browning of the garlic.
3. If using frozen garlic confit, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or using. Follow the same reheating instructions as above.

Note: It’s essential to exercise caution when reheating garlic confit, as overheating can result in a loss of flavor and texture. Gentle warming is sufficient to bring out the flavors without compromising the quality of the confit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: How long does garlic confit last? A: When properly stored in the refrigerator, garlic confit can last up to two weeks.

Q: Can I reuse the garlic-infused oil? A: Absolutely! The oil infused with garlic flavors can be used for cooking or as a tasty salad dressing.

Q: Can I freeze garlic confit? A: Yes, you can freeze garlic confit for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before use.

Q: Can I use pre-peeled garlic cloves? A: While you can use pre-peeled garlic, it’s best to use fresh, whole garlic cloves for the best flavor.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of oil used in the recipe? A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of oil according to your preference, but make sure all the garlic cloves are submerged to prevent

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine Pairings:

1. Chardonnay: The buttery and oak flavors of a Chardonnay complement the richness of garlic confit. It balances the flavors and adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
2. Pinot Noir: The light to medium body and fruity notes of a Pinot Noir creates a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of garlic confit. It enhances the overall experience with its nuanced character.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp acidity and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc provide a refreshing and vibrant pairing with garlic confit. It cuts through the richness and brings a lively element to the combination.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Classic Martini: The clean and crisp flavors of a classic Martini with gin or vodka complement the savory and aromatic qualities of garlic confit. It creates a sophisticated and well-balanced combination.
2. Bloody Mary: The bold and savory flavors of a Bloody Mary, with tomato juice, vodka, and spices, harmonize with the robust flavors of garlic confit. It adds depth and complexity to the cocktail experience.
3. Lemon Garlic Gin Fizz: Create a refreshing and zesty cocktail by combining gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a muddled garlic confit clove. It’s a unique blend of flavors that pairs well with the garlic confit’s profile.