Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba
Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba offers a wonderful option compared to the traditional oil-immersed version. Typically, garlic cloves are slowly cooked at low heat for an extended period. This results in soft, tender, and richly flavorful cloves. This method usually requires about 30-45 minutes on the stove or 2.5-3 hours in the oven. This slow-cooking process mellows
February 19, 2025
Donna Spencer
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the sharpness of raw garlic, bringing out its natural sweetness and creating a rich, buttery texture.
My wholesome and flavorful Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba was created out of necessity. In the realm of plant-based cooking, finding ways to elevate flavors without relying on oils can be a challenge. It can also be a creative opportunity. Being obsessed with Italian food, I reinvented it to fit my whole food plant-based lifestyle.
The Magic of Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba (The Secret Ingredient)
I turned to the magic of aquafaba. This versatile ingredient enhances the dish’s texture. It also adds a depth of flavor that transforms simple recipes into gourmet delights.
Confit garlic traditionally involves slow-cooking garlic cloves in oil until tender and infused with rich, savory flavors. In this oil-free rendition, aquafaba serves as a healthier alternative. It retains the essence of confit garlic. And, aquafaba aligns with plant-based and oil-free lifestyles.
Aquafaba is the viscous liquid from cooked chickpeas. It has gained popularity in vegan and plant-based cooking. This is due to its ability to mimic egg whites in various recipes. Its unique composition is primarily starches and proteins. This helps bind ingredients. It creates a creamy texture without the need for oils or fats.
Why Choose Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba?
By omitting oils, this recipe reduces unnecessary fats while retaining the rich flavor of traditional confit garlic. It fits nicely into various diets. These include vegan, plant-based, and oil-free lifestyles. This makes it a versatile addition to any kitchen. Aquafaba can absorb and enhance flavors. This ability ensures that every bite of oil-free confit garlic is infused with a delicious, aromatic richness. This quality makes the remaining liquid a pure gold flavor bomb when added to any dish!
Two Ways to Make Oil-Free Confit Garlic: Simmered or Roasted
- Prepare the Garlic: You can peel the garlic cloves to fill a small saucepan. Alternatively, leave the skin on, keeping the bulb intact. Rinse them thoroughly.
- Simmer or Roast with Aquafaba: In the saucepan, combine the garlic cloves and aquafaba. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. My preferred method is to rather roast the whole garlic bulb.
- Cooking Process: Allow the garlic to simmer gently in the aquafaba for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aquafaba will reduce and coat the garlic cloves, infusing them with flavor and ensuring they become tender. If roasting, place the bulb in a small baking dish then add enough aquafaba to cover the garlic.
- Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. For added complexity, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process.
- Cooling and Storing: Once cooked, allow the garlic to cool in the aquafaba mixture. Transfer to a clean, airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The confit garlic will continue to develop flavor over time.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread: Mash the oil-free confit garlic until it is spreadable. Use it on crusty bread, crackers, or as a base for sandwiches.
- Topping: Enhance salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Add a few cloves of oil-free confit garlic as a savory topping.
- Incorporation: Blend into sauces, dips, or dressings to add depth and complexity without the heaviness of oils.
Final Thoughts
Oil-free confit garlic with aquafaba exemplifies the innovation and adaptability of plant-based cooking. Embrace this recipe to elevate your dishes with a healthier, flavorful twist that celebrates simplicity and wholesome ingredients. You can spread this oil-free confit garlic on toast. Mix it into sauces or enjoy it as a savory topping. It promises to delight taste buds and inspire culinary creativity.
Grocery List
Produce
garlic
fresh rosemary
fresh thyme
Pantry
aquafaba
Misc
salt
pepper
Add-Ins and Substitutions
You can try using the liquid from other cans of beans, but I have not tested this. I expect it to work. It should result in the same final texture and flavor. However, the consistency and taste might vary slightly depending on the type of beans used. Aquafaba from chickpeas tends to have a more neutral flavor, making it the best option for recipes like this one. If you experiment with other bean liquids, you may need to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors.
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two weeks.
Nutrition 411
Garlic is a nutrient-dense powerhouse packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting compounds. Garlic is low in calories. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of calcium, potassium, and selenium. Garlic supports immune function, brain health, and metabolism. It promotes strong bones and provides antioxidant protection. Its high concentration of sulfur compounds like allicin gives it powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also offers heart-protective benefits. These compounds help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic acts as a natural prebiotic. It supports gut health and digestion. It also reduces the risk of chronic diseases by combating oxidative stress. Garlic is naturally low in fat. It is free of cholesterol. It is a flavorful and functional food that enhances overall wellness, whether eaten raw, roasted, or confited.
Aquafaba is the viscous liquid from cooked or canned chickpeas. It is a versatile, nutrient-rich ingredient. It is known for its unique binding and emulsifying properties. Aquafaba is naturally low in calories and fat-free. It contains small amounts of protein, fiber, and essential minerals. These include potassium, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients support muscle function, heart health, and energy production. Its starchy composition makes it an excellent egg replacement in plant-based cooking. It serves as a binder in baked goods. It can be a base for creamy sauces. It is also a stabilizer for vegan meringues and mayonnaise. Additionally, aquafaba aids digestion by providing gentle fiber while contributing to a heart-healthy diet due to its cholesterol-free nature. Whether used for thickening or whipping, aquafaba enhances textures. It is a functional and nutritious ingredient. It offers a plant-based solution for various culinary applications.
Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba
Equipment
- Garlic Roaster Baker, Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pre-Seasoned, or Mini Cocotte.
Ingredients
- 1-3 garlic bulbs
- 1 cup aquafaba
- salt and pepper or other seasonings to taste
- 1 sprig Rosemary or thyme optional
Instructions
- Slice off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves.
- Place 1-3 bulbs of garlic and 1 cup of aquafaba in a small roasting dish.
- Bake 2-3 hours at 275.
- Let the garlic cool for a few minutes, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins. They should be soft, but won't be caramelized. Now it is ready to use in spreads, sauces, or on their own
- Can use leftover liquid as roasted garlic flavor bomb.
More Garlic PF Recipes
Classic Creamy Polenta
Plant-Based Herby Farrotto (Farro)
Italian Artichoke Casserole (Sformato di Carciofi)
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
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