Garlic confit and garlic oil Everything about this is so right
Garlic confit and garlic oil Everything about this is so right is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.
Prep: 50 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $4.55 total, $1.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 heads Garlic Heads (peeled, cloves separated)
- 2 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil (good quality, enough to fully submerge garlic)
- 1 tsp Salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the garlic.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Peel Garlic
Separate the cloves from the heads, place them on a cutting board, and peel each clove. You should have about 20–24 peeled cloves.
Time: PT15M
Arrange Garlic in Dish
Place the peeled cloves in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour olive oil over them until they are completely submerged, then sprinkle the optional salt.
Time: PT5M
Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cloves are tender, slightly browned, and easily mashed with a fork.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool Completely
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit, still covered, until completely cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
Time: PT20M
Separate and Store
Uncover, lift the garlic cloves out with a slotted spoon, and transfer them to an airtight container. Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer into a clean glass jar. Seal both containers.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Garlic, Olive oil (if allergic to olives)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Oven‑Safe Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Fine Mesh Strainer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cover the garlic completely with olive oil before baking.
- Bake at the correct temperature (375°F) for the full 40 minutes.
- Allow the confit to cool completely before separating the cloves from the oil.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor; cheaper oils can taste metallic.
- Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the oil for an extra aromatic twist.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, use fewer cloves or shorten the bake time slightly.
Troubleshooting
Garlic cloves are still firm after 40 minutes.
Continue baking in 5‑minute increments until they are easily mashed with a fork.
Oil looks cloudy or has particles.
Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any bits of garlic.
Garlic develops a bitter taste.
Make sure the oven temperature isn’t too high; 375°F is ideal. Over‑browning leads to bitterness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store garlic cloves in an airtight container with a thin oil layer for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze the oil in ice‑cube trays; once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Garlic cloves can be frozen in oil for the same period.
Room temperature: Not recommended due to risk of botulism; keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Garlic confit can be made up to a week in advance; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before using.
- The infused oil can be used immediately or stored for later; shake before each use as oil may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance of garlic confit in Mediterranean cuisine?
Garlic confit is a traditional preservation method in Mediterranean cooking, allowing garlic to be stored for months while developing a sweet, caramelized flavor that enhances everything from breads to stews.
How has garlic confit been used historically in Spanish and Italian kitchens?
In Spain and Italy, slow‑cooked garlic in oil was a way to keep garlic edible through winter months, often served as a tapa or mixed into sauces, pestos, and marinades.
What regional variations exist for garlic oil in Mediterranean cooking?
In Provence, garlic oil is often flavored with herbs like thyme and rosemary; in Greece, it may include lemon zest; in southern Italy, chili flakes are added for heat.
What occasions or celebrations traditionally feature garlic confit in Mediterranean cultures?
Garlic confit appears on holiday tables during Easter and Christmas in many Mediterranean families, served alongside roasted meats or as a spread for festive breads.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional garlic confit versus modern shortcuts?
Traditional garlic confit uses only garlic, high‑quality olive oil, and sometimes a pinch of salt; modern shortcuts may add butter or use a pressure cooker, which changes the texture and flavor.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with garlic confit and garlic oil?
Garlic confit pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, bruschetta, and as a base for sauces like aioli or marinara; the oil is perfect for dressing salads, drizzling over hummus, or finishing grilled meats.
How does garlic confit fit into the broader Mediterranean tradition of preserving vegetables in oil?
Garlic confit follows the same principle as sun‑dried tomatoes or marinated artichokes—slow cooking in oil creates a shelf‑stable, flavor‑intense product that can be used year‑round, reflecting the Mediterranean emphasis on simple, preserved foods.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic confit at home?
Common errors include not fully submerging the garlic in oil, baking at too high a temperature which burns the cloves, and storing the confit at room temperature, which can cause bacterial growth.
How do I know when the garlic confit is done and ready to be stored?
The garlic is done when each clove is soft, easily mashed with a fork, and has a light golden‑brown color; the oil should be clear and fragrant. If any clove feels firm, continue baking in short increments.
What does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jose.elcook focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked Latin and Mediterranean recipes, emphasizing flavor‑forward techniques that require minimal equipment and ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jose.elcook combines traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern, quick‑prep methods, often highlighting pantry‑friendly ingredients and clear step‑by‑step visuals that make classic dishes accessible to busy home cooks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
