GARLIC CONFIT
my go-to batch that keeps cooking effortless
Here’s how I make mine and keep it ready for everything sauces, marinades, dressings, dips, and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
1 lb peeled garlic cloves
Olive oil (enough to fully cover)
1 tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried oregano
A good sprinkle of crushed red pepper
A few whole peppercorns
Tea filter bag or cheesecloth
Instructions:
Spice pack: Add the rosemary, oregano, crushed red pepper, and peppercorns into a tea filter bag. Tie it closed.
Build the pot: Add the peeled garlic to an oven-safe pot. Nestle the spice bag into the garlic.
Cover with oil: Pour in enough olive oil to fully cover the cloves.
Slow cook: Place in a 250°F oven, uncovered, for 2–3 hours, until the garlic is soft and lightly golden.
Cool completely before handling.
use right away or stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks in a clean jar
My preferred Storage:
Pour some of the infused oil into a squeeze bottle and store it in the fridge. I use it to sauté everything.
Blend the rest of the garlic with its oil until smooth, transfer to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag, flatten it out, and freeze. If you have silicone moles, it is perfect. I just don’t like the smell so I use disposable Ziploc. Break off pieces as needed!
Why I do it this way:
I prep a big batch once, so I always have smooth, rich garlic ready to add to anything soups, pastas, chicken, veggies, dressings, and marinades. It’s the easiest flavor boost ever.
Garlic confit is an excellent way to elevate everyday dishes effortlessly. By slow-cooking peeled garlic cloves in olive oil infused with rosemary, oregano, crushed red pepper, and whole peppercorns, you create a rich, mellow, and subtly aromatic flavor base that can transform your cooking. Using a tea filter bag for the spices makes it easier to remove the herbs and peppercorns after cooking, ensuring a smooth oil and garlic blend. The slow-cooking process at 250°F for 2–3 hours softens the garlic perfectly, mellowing the sharpness and bringing out a natural sweetness, which is ideal for enhancing pastas, soups, roasted vegetables, chicken dishes, and countless other recipes. Storage is key to preserving both the flavor and safety of your garlic confit. Refrigerate it in a clean jar for 2 to 3 weeks, or freeze portions in flattened Ziploc bags for longer-term use. Additionally, pouring the infused oil into a squeeze bottle refrigerated for sautéing adds convenience and flavor to your dishes without extra effort. Not only does garlic confit add depth to your meals, but it also saves time during busy weeknights by providing a ready-to-use flavor boost. This technique is favored by home cooks who want to keep their cooking effortless yet delicious. Incorporating garlic confit into your kitchen repertoire can enhance homemade sauces, dressings, dips, and breads like garlic bread. Making garlic confit at home also allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives or additives found in store-bought versions, making it a healthier and more natural option. The process may seem lengthy, but the hands-off cooking and ease of use afterward make it worthwhile. In summary, garlic confit is a simple way to add gourmet flavor to your everyday meals with minimal effort, utilizing common kitchen staples and spices. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to enrich their cooking with authentic homemade taste.
Delicious 😋