Basic Confit of Garlic 🧄
Overview:
This Basic Confit of Garlic recipe is a versatile gem that elevates countless dishes, from pasta to pizza sauce, with its rich, mellow flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a jar of garlic confit that will enhance your culinary creations for weeks to come. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthier option, low in cholesterol and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick flavor boost. Let’s dive into this simple yet impactful recipe from the Southwestern U.S.
Ingredients:
- 10-20 cloves of garlic 🧄
- Olive oil
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 44.7
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.9g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.9g
Recipe Yield:
1 batch
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a small heavy saucepan, combine garlic cloves and enough olive oil to cover them completely. |
| 2 | Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. |
| 3 | Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the garlic to cook slowly in the oil until soft and golden, which typically takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. |
| 4 | Once the garlic is soft, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. |
| 5 | Transfer the garlic cloves and oil to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. |
| 6 | Store the garlic confit in the refrigerator, where it will keep almost indefinitely. Be sure to replenish the oil as needed to keep the cloves fully submerged. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Toss warm pasta with a spoonful of garlic confit and its oil for a simple yet flavorful dish.
- Spread garlic confit onto crusty bread or toast for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Use it as a base for sauces, such as pizza sauce or pasta sauce, to add depth of flavor.
- Incorporate it into marinades for meats or vegetables to infuse them with a subtle garlic essence.
- Stir it into mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
- Blend it into salad dressings or dips for a savory twist.
Keywords:
Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy
Tips:
- Ensure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in the olive oil during cooking to prevent them from drying out.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the garlic from burning during the slow cooking process.
- Experiment with different herbs or spices, such as thyme or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor of your garlic confit.
- Label the jar with the date it was made to keep track of its freshness, although it will likely last for several weeks or even months when stored properly.
- Feel free to adjust the quantity of garlic cloves based on your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
Conclusion:
With its simplicity, versatility, and health benefits, this Basic Confit of Garlic recipe is a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a gourmet feast, a jar of homemade garlic confit will always come in handy, adding depth and complexity to your dishes with minimal effort. So go ahead, stock your fridge with this flavorful condiment, and elevate your culinary creations to new heights!
