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Garlic Confit with Thyme and Olive Oil

Garlic Confit with Thyme and Olive Oil
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Garlic Confit with Thyme and Olive Oil is a simple, luxurious condiment made by slow-cooking whole garlic cloves in quality olive oil infused with fresh thyme. This process creates tender, buttery garlic that enhances dishes with rich, mellow flavors. Perfect for spreading on bread, stirring into sauces, or adding depth to roasted vegetables and proteins, this versatile recipe is an essential kitchen staple that is easy to make and store.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Confit with Thyme and Olive Oil Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh garlic cloves, peeled and whole (or halved if large)
  • 2 cups extra virgin olive oil (enough to fully cover garlic)
  • 4–5 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic: Peel whole garlic cloves carefully, keeping them intact. If cloves are large, halve them for even cooking. This ensures soft, melt-in-your-mouth garlic after confit.
  2. Combine Garlic and Thyme in Oil: Place the prepared garlic cloves and thyme sprigs into a small saucepan. Pour in enough extra virgin olive oil to completely cover the garlic, which will gently cook and preserve the cloves while infusing herbal aroma.
  3. Slow Cook Gently: Heat the mixture over the lowest heat setting. The oil should barely simmer; do not boil. Cook slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the garlic is tender and golden but not browned or crisp to awaken the sweet, mellow flavor.
  4. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the garlic confit to cool in the oil. Transfer the garlic, oil, and thyme into a clean jar, then refrigerate. This resting period enhances flavor and preserves freshness.

Notes

  • Keep the heat very low during cooking to avoid burning or bitter garlic.
  • Use a heavy-bottom saucepan for even heat distribution.
  • Ensure garlic is fully submerged in oil to prevent air exposure and spoilage.
  • Use fresh thyme sprigs for optimal flavor as they release more essential oils than dried.
  • Label the storage jar with the preparation date for safety and freshness tracking.
  • Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks; use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months and thaw portions as needed.
  • Reheat gently over low heat or bring to room temperature to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic confit, thyme, olive oil, slow-cooked garlic, garlic condiment, vegan, appetizer, kitchen staple, versatile garlic recipe

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/garlic-confit-with-thyme-and-olive-oil/