Garlic confit is a cooking technique

 Garlic confit is a cooking technique that involves slow-cooking garlic cloves in oil at a low temperature until they become soft, sweet, and infused with the flavors of the oil. This method results in a rich and mellow garlic spread that can be used in a variety of dishes. The term "confit" is derived from the French word "confire," which means to preserve.

Garlic confit

Here's a basic recipe for making garlic confit:

### Ingredients:

- Whole garlic bulbs, cloves peeled and separated

- Enough oil to fully submerge the garlic cloves (olive oil or a neutral oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil work well)

- Optional: Herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for added flavor

### Instructions:

1. **Peel and Prepare Garlic:**

   - Peel and separate the cloves of garlic. You can leave them whole or cut them in half if you prefer smaller pieces.

2. **Cook Garlic in Oil:**

   - In a saucepan or ovenproof dish, combine the garlic cloves with enough oil to fully submerge them. Add optional herbs for additional flavor.

   - Heat the mixture over low heat (or in a preheated oven set to a low temperature, around 200°F or 93°C) and simmer gently. The garlic should not brown but rather cook slowly until it becomes soft and golden.

3. **Simmer Until Tender:**

   - Simmer the garlic in the oil for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a tender and spreadable consistency.

4. **Cool and Store:**

   - Allow the garlic confit to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a clean, airtight container, ensuring that the garlic cloves are fully submerged in the oil. Store it in the refrigerator.

### Serving Suggestions:

- **Spread:** Use garlic confit as a spread on bread, crackers, or as a base for crostini.

- **Pasta:** Toss it with pasta for a simple and flavorful sauce.

- **Mashed Potatoes:** Mix it into mashed potatoes for a garlicky twist.

- **Vegetables:** Incorporate it into roasted or sautéed vegetables for added flavor.

- **Meats:** Serve it as a condiment with grilled or roasted meats.

Garlic confit adds a subtle, sweet garlic flavor to dishes without the sharpness of raw garlic. The infused oil can also be used in cooking or as a tasty salad dressing. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, and the flavored oil can be used even after the garlic is finished.