Garlic Preserved in Olive Oil

This method keeps garlic flavorful and prevents it from drying out.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 ½ cups of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
• A few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and Prepare Garlic:
   • Separate the garlic cloves from the bulb and peel them. You can lightly crush them with the side of a knife to make peeling easier.
2. Choose a Container:
   • Use a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Pack the Garlic:
   • Place the peeled garlic cloves in the jar. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary if you want a subtle aromatic flavor.
4. Cover with Olive Oil:
   • Pour the olive oil over the garlic until all the cloves are submerged completely. The oil acts as a natural preservative.
5. Add Salt (Optional):
   • Sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt if you prefer a slightly seasoned batch.
6. Seal and Store:
   • Close the jar tightly and store it in the fridge. The garlic will remain fresh for up to 3 weeks, and the infused olive oil can be used for cooking!

Note:

• Always ensure the garlic is completely submerged in oil to avoid spoilage.
• Avoid storing garlic in oil at room temperature, as it can promote bacteria growth.

This method allows you to have fresh garlic ready for use, while also giving you flavorful garlic-infused oil for cooking!