Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the world of "ail ou echalotes confits" — a technique that transforms humble garlic or shallots into delectable, caramelized gems. This ancient cooking method, with roots in French cuisine, involves slow-cooking the ingredients in a mixture of fat and liquid, resulting in a tender, flavorful, and aromatic addition to a multitude of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking to elevate your culinary skills, uncover the secrets to creating this extraordinary ingredient and discover how it can enhance your favorite recipes.
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GARLIC CONFIT
Confit is a method that preserves food in oil and was used before the invention of refrigeration. Use the garlic cloves in mashed potatoes, pasta, garlic bread, or as a quick way to season steamed veggies. Look for bulbs that have cloves that are tight and the skin should have a purple hue. I've used thyme but feel free to use your favorite fresh herbs.
Provided by Bren
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes
Time 2h35m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Cut the tops off the garlic bulbs, place on a clean working surface, and press down firmly with the flat part of a large knife to separate the cloves from the bulb. Remove the skins and discard.
- Pour oil into a very small pot; add garlic cloves and thyme.
- Turn heat to medium and cook until bubbles start to form. Lower the heat to the lowest possible setting and cook until garlic is soft but not brown, 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the cloves.
- Place garlic cloves and oil in an ice cube tray and freeze until firm, 2 to 3 hours. Remove frozen cubes from the tray and store in a freezer bag.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Fat 8.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
SHALLOT-CHERRY CONFIT
Shallot confit is the inspiration behind this easy hors d'oeuvre of manchego cheese and sliced baguette.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add shallots, onion, cherries, and thyme. Cover, and cook until shallots and onion are soft and beginning to caramelize, 12 to 14 minutes. Stir in sugar. Continue to cook, covered, until shallots and onion are caramelized, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add vinegar and 1/4 cup warm water. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and mixture is deep brown, about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.
SLOW-COOKED GARLIC CONFIT
"Confit" is food that has been preserved in fat, and when this method is applied to garlic cloves, the flavor becomes concentrated, it brings out the natural sweetness, and tames the strong bite. Add to soups, stews, vinaigrette, mashed potatoes, spread on crostini, or eat on its own!
Provided by France C
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes
Time 1h50m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
- Peel garlic cloves and place into a small 2-cup baking dish or large ramekin. Sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with oil, ensuring all cloves are covered. Cover dish with foil.
- Bake in the oven until garlic cloves are soft and just starting to brown around the edges, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Do not overcook, as garlic will become bitter.
- Transfer garlic cloves to a clean jar. Cover lightly with oil. Seal lid and refrigerate; use within 3 to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 90.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.3 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 74 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
AIL OU ECHALOTES CONFITS (GARLIC OR SHALLOT CONFIT)
This recipe can be made with garlic or shallots or even pearl onions or a combination thereof. While in Gascogny, rendered duck fat would be used. You can use olive oil, lard (pure lard rendered by farmers who raise organic stock is available more and more)or other oils. The duck fat really is the best and can be re-used if strained and carefully treated. The confit is a wonderful garnish for meat or salad and can be a wonderful addition to sauces.
Provided by Chef Kate
Categories Onions
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Peel the garlic and remove any green sprouts. If using shallots or onions, trim both ends before peeling.
- Heat the fat in a small saucepan over medium flame.
- When the fat is warm (not hot--you are not frying the garlic), add the garlic (or shallots or onions), the quatre epices and the pepper.
- Cook until soft, about 20 minutes for garlic, 30 minutes for shallots or onions.
- Remove them from the fat with a slotted spoon and cool on paper towels.
- If not used immediately, they can refrigerated in a small container for several days--but do not cover them with fat.
- Serves 6 as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 68.4, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 4.3, Sodium 3.4, Carbohydrate 6.7, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.2, Protein 1.3
Tips:
- Choose the right garlic or shallots: For the best results, use fresh, firm garlic or shallots that are free of blemishes.
- Slice the garlic or shallots thinly: This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavor of the oil.
- Use a good quality olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the best choice for confit, as it has a rich flavor and high smoke point.
- Cook the garlic or shallots slowly and gently: This will help them to soften and caramelize without burning.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the garlic or shallots from sticking.
- Be patient: Confiting garlic or shallots takes time, but it is worth the wait. The longer they cook, the more flavorful they will become.
Conclusion:
Confit garlic or shallots are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are perfect for adding flavor to pasta, rice, vegetables, and meat. They can also be used as a spread for bread or crackers. With a little time and effort, you can easily make your own confit garlic or shallots at home. So next time you are looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your cooking, give confit garlic or shallots a try.
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