Take your garlic to the next level by slow-cooking it in oil and herbs until it’s perfectly tender.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like garlic, which means I include it in almost every meal. But garlic cloves are often overlooked in favor of garlic powder because it’s more convenient. What if I told you there was another way to make fresh garlic as easy as—and even more flavorful than—garlic powder? Well, say “bonjour” to garlic confit—the well-seasoned spread you didn’t know you needed!
Yes, I said “spread,” because once these cloves are cooked fully, it takes no effort at all to mash them up or spread them onto your favorite dish. Toast, rolls, sandwiches, and more can be blessed by a single swipe of this stuff. Each oil-and-herb-soaked garlic clove packs a punch of flavor that makes garlic powder pale in comparison. That’s how yummy it is! And did I mention that garlic confit lasts a while in the fridge, so you can use it for meal prep? Feel free to add some garlicky goodness to any meal of the day.
What does “confit” mean?
The word “confit” comes from the French verb “confire,” meaning “to preserve.” It refers to an old method of preserving food, long before fridges were invented, which also flavored the food with an abundance of seasonings. Herbs, spices, and a lot of oil are used in this process to get a confit just right. In the case of garlic confit, the garlic becomes so soft, it’s spreadable—making this a delightful, earthy condiment for toast, crackers, and more.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your garlic confit to an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate it for 1-2 weeks, making sure that the garlic stays submerged in the oil for optimal freshness. Take it out when you’re ready to incorporate it into a dish or use it as a spread. You never know when garlic confit can come in handy.
Serving suggestions
If you want a classy restaurant-level experience, share a bowl of garlic confit with your loved ones, plus some Keto Flatbread and Flaxseed Crackers for spreading. Alternatively, mix some of it into Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Butter, Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower, or an Avocado Caprese Salad. Just because confit is French doesn’t mean you’re limited to one style of cuisine. Explore the possibilities until you find your favorite way to dish it.
Ingredients
- 5 heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled (or 2 1/3 cups of pre-peeled cloves)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 2/3 cups extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish. Add the rosemary, bay leaf, thyme, black peppercorns, and salt. Pour the olive oil over the garlic so that most of the cloves are submerged. Add more oil if needed.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the garlic is soft and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool completely, then transfer the garlic and some of the oil into a clean jar. Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.
- Use the garlic confit as a spread, in dressings, or as a garnish for your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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