These slow-cooked garlic cloves lend a more muted flavor to a dish than raw or quickly sautéed garlic. The garlic-scented oil is equally valuable.
Ingredients
makes 4 cups
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
8 heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
12 fresh thyme sprigs
3 bay leaves, bruised
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a medium baking dish, combine the olive oil, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. The garlic should be completely covered by about 1 in of oil. Bake until the garlic cloves are soft, fragrant, and lightly browned but still hold their shape, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, completely covered with olive oil to prevent air from reaching them.
