Garlic Confit
Explore the world of garlic confit, a culinary secret that transforms ordinary garlic into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.| Cook with Paolo |
Equipment
- A small to medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- Garlic (peeled) (as many as desired)
- 2-3 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil (enough to submerge your garlic cloves)
- 1-2 Tsp Kosher Salt (Optional)
- 1-2 Tbsp Black Peppercorn (Optional)
- 2 Sprigs Rosemary (Optional)
- 6 Sprigs Thyme (Optional)
Instructions
- Peel the Garlic Cloves:Start by peeling the desired amount of garlic cloves. You can use the flat side of a knife to gently crush each clove, which makes peeling easier.
- Prepare the Saucepan:Choose a saucepan that's large enough to comfortably hold the garlic cloves without crowding them. Crowding can cause uneven cooking.
- Add the Garlic Cloves:Place the peeled garlic cloves in the saucepan. If you're using fresh herbs and peppercorns for added flavor, add them to the pan as well.
- Cover with Olive Oil:Pour enough olive oil into the saucepan to completely cover the garlic cloves. The garlic should be fully submerged.
- Heat the Garlic and Oil:Place the saucepan over low heat. The key to making garlic confit is slow, gentle cooking. You want the garlic to infuse the oil without frying or browning.
- Simmer and Infuse:Let the garlic simmer in the oil for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The cloves should become soft, tender, and slightly translucent. Be sure to maintain a low heat throughout the process.
- Cool and Store:Once the garlic is soft and infused with the oil, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Transfer to an Airtight Container:Using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic cloves to an airtight container. Be sure to remove any herbs or peppercorns you added for flavor.
- Store in the Refrigerator:Store the garlic confit in the refrigerator. It can keep for several weeks if properly stored in an airtight container. The garlic-infused oil can also be used in cooking.
- Usage Tips:Enjoy the rich, mellow flavors of your homemade garlic confit!Use garlic confit as a flavorful addition to pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or as a spread for bread. The garlic-infused oil is excellent for salad dressings or sautéing vegetables.