Description
This recipe guides you to make a flavorful garlic confit infused with fresh herbs and extra-virgin olive oil, followed by a delicious garlic herb butter combining softened butter with garlic confit and fresh herbs. Perfect for spreading on bread, melting over vegetables or meats, and adding a rich, aromatic touch to your dishes.
Ingredients
Garlic Confit
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves
- 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3-4 rosemary twigs
- 1 tsp coarse salt
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2-3 tbsp garlic confit (garlic cloves only, no oil)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C) to prepare for slow roasting the garlic.
- Prepare Garlic Mixture: In a baking dish, combine the peeled garlic cloves with 2 cups of extra-virgin olive oil, coarse salt, rosemary twigs, and thyme sprigs. Stir gently to coat all garlic evenly with oil and herbs.
- Bake Garlic: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The garlic should soften and turn a golden color without browning, allowing it to slowly cook and infuse into the oil.
- Cool and Store: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Remove the herb sprigs and transfer garlic and oil into an airtight jar, making sure the garlic is fully submerged. Seal and refrigerate for storage.
- Optional Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the garlic confit to a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to a few months.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, 2-3 tablespoons of the garlic confit cloves (without oil), chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, and salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Shape and Chill Butter: Transfer the herb butter onto parchment paper, shape into a log or place in a small bowl. If shaped as a log, roll tightly and twist ends to secure. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and meld flavors.
- Serve and Store: Once firm, slice the butter log or scoop from the bowl to serve. Store remaining herb butter in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- The garlic-infused oil solidifies when refrigerated; bring back to room temperature before use for easy pouring.
- Keep the garlic cloves fully submerged in oil to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
- This garlic confit can be used in a variety of dishes including spreads, sauces, and as a cooking ingredient.
- Store herb butter tightly wrapped or in a container to maintain freshness and aroma.
- Slow baking at low temperature is key to avoid burning the garlic and developing a sweet, mellow flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French