Garlic Confit-Easy Way to Gourmet Flavor

If you are a  lover of garlic  as I am, then you are about to discover how to enjoy it even more.

One way of using garlic with exceptional taste is to make a 'garlic confit."

I know it sounds fancy, but to make garlic confit, it is quite simple.

This technique is popular in French cuisine and in in simple terms the word means "to preserve." 
This method is mainly for preserving animal protein such as "duck confit. But, using this simple method allows you  also to preserve vegetables and aromatics such as garlic.

To make garlic confit, you will be poaching whole garlic cloves in oil. You can use a neutral oil of your choice, but I like flavorful clean oils such as olive oil for my own personal choice.

A basic recipe I use is about a cup of fresh garlic cloves and place into a small pot. Pour enough oil over the top to cover.

Next step, you will bring the garlic to a low simmer as demonstrated in this video clip.

​Continue to simmer the mixture for 30 minutes or until they become soft and a little golden in color.

​Using a mason jar, place into a jar and cover with a lid. When cooled down slightly, place into the fridge for longer use. It will keep in the fridge up to a month.

Now, when you get your first taste of the simple dish, you will wonder why you have not tried it before.

The end result is a mellow garlic taste, which is almost buttery. Because this method reduces the sharpness of fresh garlic, you can get heavy handed when using in in dishes.

Here are some of my suggestions for use:

Add it to pasta, pizza
Spread it on top of fresh crusty bread with hummus
Add it to omelets
Use it in pesto's instead of raw garlic
Add to homemade creamy salad dressings (use the infused oil to make it more special!)


Garlic confit is a good standby to keep on hand in the fridge, so when inspiration hits you to have something with delicious garlic flavor, you won't have to work hard to achieve it.
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Eat Good! Look Good! Feel Good!
Chef Vanessa