Garlic Confit | Creamy, Savoury, and Addictive

This is one of those staples every home cook should have in the fridge. Soft, caramelised garlic slowly cooked in olive oil — perfect for spreading on bread, mixing into pasta, or boosting sauces and dips. It lasts up to a month when properly stored!

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About This Dish

Garlic confit is a French-inspired kitchen essential with a Mediterranean soul. Slow-cooked garlic becomes silky, spreadable, and sweetly aromatic — the perfect base for Italian sauces, soups, or a simple bruschetta spread. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Ingredients

Garlic Cloves:	As much as you like (about 3 heads for a small jar)
Olive Oil:	Enough to fully cover the garlic (about 250 ml / 1 cup)

How to Make It

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

Step 1: Peel the garlic and place the cloves in a small saucepan.
Step 2: Pour in olive oil, enough to completely submerge the garlic.
Step 3: Cook over the lowest heat for about 30 minutes, but here’s the trick: every time the oil starts to bubble, lift the pot off the heat for 1 minute, then return it.
Step 4: Repeat until the garlic turns soft, golden, and fragrant.
Step 5: Let cool completely, then transfer the garlic and oil to a sterilised jar.
Step 6: Store in the fridge for up to 1 month. Always keep the garlic fully submerged in oil.

Tucci’s Tips

Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil — it’s the main flavor carrier.

Try adding thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes for an aromatic twist.

Mash the confit garlic into butter for an instant garlic spread.

Variations

Herb-Infused: Add sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the oil.
Spicy Version: Include a few slices of chili for gentle heat.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest during cooking for brightness.

Did You Know?

Historical Fact: Garlic has been prized since ancient Egypt for both culinary and medicinal purposes — it was even fed to pyramid builders to boost strength and stamina.

Fun Fact: The word “confit” comes from the French term confire, meaning “to preserve.” It’s one of the oldest cooking methods for keeping food flavorful and safe.

Share Your Garlic Confit!

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Storage & Thank You

Store your garlic confit in a sterilised jar, always ensuring the cloves remain fully submerged in oil. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 month.

Can it be frozen? Yes — freeze portions in small jars or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Defrost and use as needed for instant flavour.

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