Confited garlic is nothing more than the peeled cloves slow cooked in a bath of seasoned oil. This strips the raw cloves of their acidity, removes their sharp heat, and concentrates their sweetness. Use these soft cloves anytime butter or garlic is called for in a savory recipe, and especially if raw garlic is too harsh for you.
Garlic confit will last forever (okay, a month) as long as you put it in a clean jar, refrigerate it, and refrain from double dipping. If the spoonful of confit touches other food, don’t put that same spoon back into the jar for more. This calls for 2 cups total of oil. If it isn’t enough to cover the garlic cloves completely, add more. To freeze, first puree the cloves and store in 3-tablespoon portions in small resealable plastic bags. Let thaw before using.
Ingredients
3 cups peeled garlic cloves
1 fresh bay leaf or 2 dried
8 to 10 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 cup canola oil
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Place garlic cloves, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and peppercorns in a heavy-bottomed, oven-proof pot. Pour the canola and olive oils over to cover. Cover, transfer to the oven, and bake until the garlic cloves are pale gold and tender (you should be able to smash them with the back of a spoon), about 50 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Transfer the cloves and oil to a clean, wide-mouthed resealable jar.
Excerpted from the book Live to Eat by Michael Psilakis. Copyright © 2017 by Michael Psilakis. Reprinted with permission of Little, Brown and Company.
Each week, The Splendid Table brings you stories that expand your world view, inspire you to try something new and show how food brings us together. We rely on you to do this. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. It's a community of like-minded individuals who love good food, good conversation and kitchen companionship. Splendid Table Co-op members will get exclusive content each month and have special opportunities for connecting with The Splendid Table team.
Donate today for as little as $5.00 a month. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op.