Garlic confit - voiceover
Garlic confit - voiceover is a medium French recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Daen's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 40 min
Cost: $6.20 total, $0.78 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled, from about 2 heads of garlic)
- 500 ml Olive Oil (extra virgin, enough to fully submerge garlic)
- 1 sprig Rosemary (optional, adds aromatic flavor)
- 1 sprig Thyme (optional, adds aromatic flavor)
- 1 tsp Black Peppercorns (optional, lightly crushed)
Instructions
Peel Garlic Cloves
Place the whole garlic cloves in a heat‑proof bowl, pour boiling water over them, let sit for 5 minutes, then squeeze or pinch each clove to slide the skin off.
Time: PT5M
Submerge Garlic in Olive Oil
Transfer the peeled cloves to an oven‑proof dish, pour olive oil over until the cloves are completely covered, and add the rosemary sprig, thyme sprig, and crushed peppercorns if using.
Time: PT5M
Bake Garlic Confit
Place the dish in a pre‑heated oven at 120°C and bake for 2 hours. A gentle bubble should appear in the oil as the garlic softens.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 120°C
Cool and Transfer
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly, then transfer the garlic and oil into a sterilized glass jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate.
Time: PT10M
Serve and Use
Use the soft, buttery garlic and infused oil in any recipe that calls for garlic or oil. Keep refrigerated and consume within several days; double or triple the batch for larger needs.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 0g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly
Allergens: Garlic, Olive Oil
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Rosemary: Dried rosemary (½ tsp)
- Instead of Thyme: Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Black Peppercorns: White peppercorns
Equipment Needed
- Heatproof Bowl
- Saucepan
- Ovenproof Dish
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Tongs (optional)
- Ladle or Spoon (optional)
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Peel Garlic Cloves
- Submerge Garlic in Olive Oil
- Bake Garlic Confit
- Cool and Transfer
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, high‑quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
- Pat the peeled cloves dry before submerging to reduce water content
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the oil for a subtle seasoning
Troubleshooting
Garlic cloves are still firm after the 2‑hour bake
Continue baking for another 15‑30 minutes or raise the oven temperature to 130°C
Oil becomes cloudy or separates
Make sure the cloves are completely covered, store in a clean airtight jar, and discard if an off odor develops
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar
Freezer: Up to 3 months; freeze in ice‑cube trays for portioning
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated
Make-Ahead Tips
- Garlic confit keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze in ice‑cube trays for convenient single‑serving portions
- Bring to room temperature before using for easier spreading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic confit in French cuisine?
Garlic confit, or "ail confit," is a classic French preservation technique that dates back to the 19th century, allowing garlic to be stored for months while developing a sweet, mellow flavor. It is prized in Provençal cooking for its ability to add depth to sauces, stews, and vegetable dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic confit in French cooking?
In Provence, garlic confit is often flavored with rosemary, thyme, and sometimes bay leaf, reflecting the herb‑rich landscape. In the Loire Valley, a lighter version may use walnut oil instead of olive oil, while in the north, garlic is sometimes confited with butter for a richer spread.
How is garlic confit traditionally served in French households?
French families typically serve garlic confit as a condiment alongside crusty bread, stir it into mashed potatoes, or use the infused oil to finish grilled meats and vegetables. It can also be blended into aioli or added to vinaigrettes for a subtle garlic boost.
What occasions or celebrations is garlic confit traditionally associated with in French culture?
Garlic confit is not tied to a specific holiday but is a staple during the harvest season when fresh garlic is abundant. It is often prepared in large batches for winter months, making it a comforting pantry staple for family gatherings and holiday meals.
What other French dishes pair well with garlic confit?
Garlic confit pairs beautifully with ratatouille, coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and classic French omelets. Drizzling the infused oil over roasted potatoes or mixing the soft garlic into a beurre blanc sauce adds a luxurious touch.
What makes garlic confit special or unique in French cuisine?
The low‑heat, oil‑based cooking transforms sharp raw garlic into a buttery, caramel‑sweet ingredient while preserving its natural antioxidants. This gentle method also creates a flavored oil that can be used as a versatile seasoning, setting it apart from roasted or sautéed garlic.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic confit?
Common errors include cooking at too high a temperature, which burns the garlic and creates bitterness, and not fully submerging the cloves, leading to uneven cooking. Always keep the oil covering the garlic and maintain a steady 120°C for a soft, mellow result.
Why does this garlic confit recipe use a low temperature of 120°C instead of higher heat?
A low temperature gently poaches the garlic, allowing the cloves to become tender without caramelizing or burning. Higher heat would cause the garlic to crisp or turn bitter, while 120°C preserves the sweet, buttery texture prized in confit.
Can I make garlic confit ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, garlic confit is ideal for make‑ahead. After cooling, transfer it to a sterilized jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate. It will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge or up to three months frozen. Always keep the cloves fully covered with oil.
What does the YouTube channel Daen's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Daen's Kitchen specializes in simple, home‑cooked recipes that focus on classic techniques and comfort food, often highlighting pantry‑friendly dishes and step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Daen's Kitchen?
Daen's Kitchen emphasizes approachable cooking with clear instructions, using readily available ingredients and minimal equipment. The channel promotes mastering fundamental techniques, such as low‑heat confit, to create flavorful, make‑ahead meals for busy households.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
