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Herby garlic confit recipe for rich, flavourful dishes

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 6 Oct 2025

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Herby garlic confit is a delightful vegan condiment that transforms the humble garlic clove into a luscious, aromatic treat. Gently cooked in extra-virgin olive oil and infused with fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. The slow cooking process softens the garlic, bringing out its natural sweetness and creating a rich, buttery texture that enhances any meal.

Perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, spreading on crusty bread, or adding depth to sauces, this confit is a versatile addition to any kitchen. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows home cooks to savour the flavours of garlic without the harshness of raw cloves, making it a wonderful way to elevate everyday dishes.

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Ingredients for Herby garlic confit

  • 4 heads of garlic, cloves separated, unpeeled

  • a small handful of thyme sprigs, rosemary sprigs, and/or bay leaves

  • 360 ml extra-virgin olive oil

How to make Herby garlic confit

  1. Preheat the oven to 120°C (fan) or 130°C (conventional).

  2. Place the garlic, herbs, and oil in an 20 cm x 20 cm baking dish or a small saucepan.

  3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, until the garlic is tender. You can test it by popping one out of its skin; it should be soft and jammy.

  4. Allow the garlic confit to cool.

  5. Transfer the cooled confit to an airtight container and chill in the fridge. This can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.

  6. Reheat gently over low heat before using.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 6 Oct 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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