Garlic has long been an adored kitchen staple, and for just cause. Not only does it tantalize the taste buds, but its health advantages are also unmistakable! Have you ever heard of garlic confit, though? This slowly cooked version is sure to revolutionize your culinary endeavors – not to mention the numerous advantages associated with it. Read on as we discuss the amazing health perks of this type of garlic, plus provide you with a mouth-watering recipe that’s so simple anyone can make it at home!
What is Garlic Confit?
By utilizing the slow-cooking method of garlic confit, you can transform raw garlic cloves into an exquisite flavor experience. Simmer them in olive oil over low heat to savor their delectable taste! This method infuses the clove with flavor while also making them wonderfully soft. Once complete, it imparts sweet and savory notes to any dish you may use it in, be it pasta sauce, roasted vegetables, salads, or soup!
Caramelizing garlic is effortless, and the reward of such a flavorful result makes it all worth it. Simply peel off each clove’s skin and carefully nestle them in an oven-safe dish; cover with enough olive oil so that the cloves are fully submerged. Include any favorite fresh herbs – like thyme or rosemary – to add extra depth of flavor before placing them into your preheated oven at 200°F for several hours until they become tender and aromatic. Let cool before enjoying delightful garlicky confit!
Health Benefits of Garlic Confit
For centuries, garlic has been utilized for its medicinal benefits. To keep the garlic fresh, use a slotted spoon to scoop it out of the hot oil and transfer it into an airtight container that can be stored in your refrigerator. Keeping you safe from harm when facing the outside world! Garlic’s healing abilities are second-to-none!
For those looking to get the most out of garlic’s health-boosting properties, preparing it in a confit is an excellent way. The low and slow cooking method ensures that all its beneficial compounds remain intact so you can maximize your intake of them. On top of the countless health benefits of consuming monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, this recipe becomes even more desirable!
Cooking Tips for Garlic Confit
For the most delicious garlic confit, utilize freshly peeled cloves. Though pre-peeled garlic can be convenient, it’s not as flavorful in comparison to fresh cloves. Use a slotted spoon to remove your cooked garlic from its oil bath and store it in an airtight container for up to one month – this will ensure maximum taste preservation!
Ready to enjoy the flavors of garlic confit whenever you want? Simply place both the garlic and oil in a freezer-safe container, then pop it in your freezer! When ready to consume, transfer your frozen concoction into the fridge for an overnight thaw. Now that’s deliciously convenient cooking at its best!
How to Use Garlic Confit
Garlic confit is a remarkably flexible ingredient that can be incorporated into an array of recipes. Here are some creative ways to enjoy garlic confit:
- Add it to pasta sauces for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spread it on toast or crackers for a simple and delicious appetizer.
- Mash it into mashed potatoes for a unique twist on a classic side dish.
- Add it to salad dressings for a garlicky kick.
- Use it as a base for roasted vegetables.
- Add it to soups for added flavor.
- Harness its flavorful potential and create a delicious garlic-infused oil that can be used in an array of recipes!
Delicious Garlic Confit Recipe
If you’re in the mood to tantalize your taste buds, try this delicious homemade garlic confit recipe!
Ingredients:
- 18-26 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4-9 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 3-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to a scorching 200°F for optimal baking success!
- Gently place the peeled garlic cloves in an oven-safe dish and prepare to be tantalized by their aroma.
- Add enough olive oil to fully submerge the garlic cloves.
- Elevate the flavor of your dish with a dash of fragrant thyme and an additional pinch of salt for that extra flavorful kick.
- Create a tighter bond on your dish with a layer of aluminum foil before popping it in the oven. After baking for 2-3 hours, you will be welcomed by an inviting smell of garlic that fills up your home!
- With caution, remove the dish from the oven and let your garlic confit cool off until it reaches a comfortable temperature.
- To ensure that your garlic stays fresh and flavorful, use a slotted spoon to scoop it out of the hot oil before transferring it into an airtight container for storage in your refrigerator.
Store Garlic Confit
Keep garlic confit in the right vessel and preserve it correctly, then, you can enjoy its delightful flavor for up to four weeks when refrigerated or frozen! Make sure that every bite of your garlic confit is as savory and flavorful as possible by storing it with care. To freeze your confit concoction, place both ingredients into an airtight container and store it away until you’re prepared to cook with it. After that, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving! Bon appetit!
Conclusion
Garlic confit is an excellent, healthy way to savor garlic. Making it couldn’t be easier – the slow cooking process gives the cloves maximum flavor and tenderness. Not only does garlic confit tantalize your taste buds, but it also has an impressive list of health benefits due to its rich abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re seeking a simple yet delicious way to upgrade the nutritional content of your meals, garlic confit is an ideal option! You can sprinkle it atop pasta sauces or stir it into salad dressings for an exceptional taste that will leave both your palate and body thanking you! Try out this delectable ingredient next time you whip up something in the kitchen.
References:
https://www.foodbymaria.com/garlic-confit
https://www.mashed.com/899562/the-fatal-mistake-to-avoid-when-making-garlic-confit/
https://www.thekitchn.com/garlic-confit-is-the-magic-secret-to-loving-any-vegetable-221126
