Garlic Confit: A Savoury Pantry Potion
Garlic confit is one of the simplest ways to transform an everyday ingredient into something rich, soft, and deeply flavourful. Slowly cooked in oil, the garlic becomes mellow, sweet, and spreadable — a far cry from its raw, sharp bite.
As part of the Pantry Potions series, this is a small-batch kitchen essential worth keeping on hand. Spoon it over roasted vegetables, mash it into potatoes, or spread it onto warm bread — it quietly elevates almost anything it touches.
Part of the Pantry Potions series → Explore all Pantry Potions
🧄 WHAT IS GARLIC CONFIT?
Garlic confit is made by gently cooking garlic cloves in oil at a low temperature until they become soft and tender. The result is sweet, buttery garlic and a beautifully infused oil that can be used in cooking, dressings, and finishing dishes.
🍽️ HOW TO USE
- Spread on toast or sourdough
- Mash into potatoes
- Stir through pasta
- Add to dressings or sauces
- Spoon over roasted meats or vegetables
Garlic Confit
Ingredients
- 2 cups garlic cloves (peeled)
- 3 cups – approx. – Olive oil (enough to fully cover the garlic)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 each bay leaf (optional)
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
1. Prepare
- Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a small saucepan.
2. Submerge
- Cover completely with olive oil.Add thyme and bay leaf if using.
3. Cook
- Place over very low heat.Gently cook until cloves are soft and tender.👉 There should be little to no bubbling
4. Finish
- Remove from heat and allow to cool in the oil.
5. Store
- Transfer to a clean jar.Refrigerate and use as needed.
Storage Tip
Store garlic confit in the refrigerator and use within 1–2 weeks. Always keep the garlic submerged in oil.KOOK’S SECRETS
