Imagine a culinary secret that can elevate every dish with rich, mellow garlic flavor and aromatic thyme - welcome to the world of garlic confit! This French technique transforms ordinary garlic into a luxurious, silky delicacy that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like a Parisian bistro. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this simple yet sophisticated recipe will revolutionize how you think about garlic forever.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups olive oil
- 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Carefully separate and peel all cloves from the garlic head, ensuring each clove is clean and free from any papery skin.
- Select a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan that will allow the garlic cloves to be fully submerged in olive oil.
- Gently place the peeled garlic cloves into the saucepan, arranging them in a single layer.
- Add fresh thyme sprigs directly into the pan with the garlic cloves, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the olive oil slowly over the garlic and thyme, ensuring all cloves are completely covered by the oil.
- Place the saucepan over the lowest possible heat setting, maintaining a very gentle simmer.
- Cook the garlic slowly, watching carefully to prevent browning, for approximately 35-40 minutes until cloves become soft and golden.
- The oil should never boil or bubble; maintain a temperature around 200-210°F (93-98°C).
- Remove from heat and let the confit cool completely in the oil.
- Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Transfer the garlic and thyme confit to a clean, sterilized glass jar, ensuring cloves remain covered in oil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, always keeping the garlic submerged in oil.
Tips
- Use the freshest, highest-quality olive oil and garlic for the best results.
- Keep the heat extremely low - patience is key to achieving perfectly soft, golden garlic cloves.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the ideal temperature between 200-210°F for consistent results.
- Always ensure garlic cloves are completely submerged in oil during cooking.
- Store your confit in a sterilized glass jar to maximize shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
- The infused oil is a bonus - use it for dressings, drizzling, or sautéing for extra flavor.
- Let the confit cool completely before transferring to storage to prevent condensation.
- Serve as a spread on crusty bread, mix into mashed potatoes, or use as a flavor booster in various dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 54g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
