Prepare to transform ordinary cherry tomatoes into a luxurious culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance! This Quick Tomato Garlic Confit is not just a recipe, it's a flavor revelation that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy delicacy. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a versatile dish that can elevate everything from rustic bread to gourmet pasta, proving that sometimes the most incredible flavors come from the simplest techniques.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), ensuring a low and slow cooking environment for the confit.
- Select a shallow baking dish or cast-iron skillet that will comfortably hold the tomatoes in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Gently wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes to remove any moisture that could prevent proper roasting.
- Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush them to release their aromatic oils without completely breaking them apart.
- Place the cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves in the baking dish, arranging them in an even, single layer.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly across the tomatoes, then add the fresh thyme sprig for additional herbal complexity.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered but not completely collapsed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the oil to absorb the garlic and tomato essences.
- Serve warm as a side dish, spread on crusty bread, or use as a topping for pasta, salads, or grilled meats.
Tips
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes possible for the most vibrant flavor and best roasting results.
- Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it plays a crucial role in the confit's overall taste.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Make sure to dry the tomatoes completely before roasting to achieve that perfect blistered texture.
- Gently crush garlic cloves to release oils without completely breaking them apart.
- For added complexity, experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil instead of thyme.
- Store any leftover confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to continue melding.
- Bring the confit to room temperature before serving to maximize its aromatic qualities.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
