Can You Make Avocado Confit with Avocado Oil? Let’s Find Out!

Avocados. We’ve all heard of them, and we all probably have eaten them whether in a creamy guacamole, a hearty avocado toast or even an unanticipated guest in a smoothie. But did you know that the beloved fruit can go beyond the basic to create something called “avocado confit”? And, perhaps most interestingly, can you make avocado confit with avocado oil? In this article, we will take you through all of your burning questions, reveal some shocking avocado confit facts, and show you how to make your own at home. Let’s dive in!

Did You Know?

According to the California Avocado Growers’ Association, the average American consumes over 7 pounds of avocados each year, up an astonishing 80% over the past 10 years! This is positive proof for how much we adore our avocado-laden creations, and it’s no surprise that the fruit continues to capture our taste buds in refreshing new forms. Now, picture taking these lush, green dreams and applying to them the same magic that makes even better cook the elements used in confit — avocado confit. But what is this dish, exactly, and why should we make it?

The following article takes a look at the wondrous realm of avocado confit, how it differs from regular confit, and if we could even use avocado oil to make it. We’ll share step-by-step instructions, tips and some surprising benefits of using avocado oil in the process. So let’s get started!

What is Avocado Confit?

Before we get into whether avocado oil is an acceptable medium for confit, let’s first go over what confit actually is. The term “confit” is derived from the French word confire, meaning “to preserve.” Summarily, confit is a cooking process where a certain food is cooked in its natural fat or oil in low temperature for several hours. This method was originally a way of curing meats (such as duck or pork), and makes for wonderfully tender and tasty food that stays moist while developing a deep, rich flavor.

With avocado confit, we take ripely ripe avocado halves or slices, and slowly warm them in oil until they’re softened, flavored and melt-in-your mouth tender. It’s basically a supercharged avocado, where the fatty oils and smooth mouthfeel are all magnified by that long-simmering treatment.

Can you use avocado oil to make avocado confit?

So, the big question now: can we make avocado confit with avocado oil? The answer is: Yes, of course! Avocado oil is actually the perfect option for this method, and we can’t wait to explain to you why.

Avocado oil has a high smoke point (about 500°F), which makes it perfect for low-temperature slow-cooking. It’s also known for a mild, buttery flavor that plays well with the pure flavor of avocado. And avocado oil is full of healthy fats and antioxidants, making it great for both cooking and if you’re health conscious diners.

If you’re using avocado oil for confit, you’re creating a dish that’s not just delicious, but also nutrient dense. The oil itself gives the avocado a smooth, velour-like texture that sends the whole thing skyward in a way that’s downright rapturous.

Avocado Confit in Avocado Oil Recipe

So now that we know we can actually use avocado oil to prepare this dish, let’s look at the process of making avocado confit at home. We swear it’s more simple than it sounds!

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe avocados
• 2 cups avocado oil (enough to completely cover the avocados)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Cloves of garlic, thyme, rosemary or other herbs if desired

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Avocados:

• Cut the avocados in two, discarding the pits. Leave the skin on or peel it off, whatever you prefer. If you want to leave the skin on, it will act as a shape guard as the flesh slowly cooks.

2. Heat the Oil:

• Pour enough avocado oil (see note on type below) in a medium saucepan that the avocado halves, or slices (as shown here), are submerged. Place the oil over low to medium heat. Make sure to keep the heat low about 200-250°F. If you have a thermometer, check the temperature of the oil, because if there too much heat, the delicate flavors of the oil and the avocado will be lost.

3. Cook the Avocados:

• Lower the avocado halves (or slices) into the oil carefully. You’ll want to let the avocados cook for 30-45 minutes, depending on their size and ripeness. This way they soften and soak up the flavors of the oil, while they become super tender and creamy.

4. Optional Seasoning:

• If you want extra flavor, now is the time to add garlic, fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, or a pinch of salt and pepper. The oil will lend the avocado these flavors, creating a depth of taste that is truly unique.

5. Finish and Serve:

• When the avocados are soft and infused with oil, carefully lift them out of the saucepan. You can eat them plain, or use them as a garnish on salads or toast, or as a main dish. These are just the tip of the iceberg!

Why Use Avocado Oil for Confit?

Avocado oil is a great choice for confit because it makes sense from a cooking perspective and comes with multiple benefits. No doubt, we have plenty of reasons to recommend avocado oil for this technique, including:

1. High Smoke Point: Avocado is great for slow-cooking as it has relatively high smoke point, so it prevents disintegration of oil or harmful products.

2. Health Benefits: Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are believed to be heart-friendly. It’s also filled with vitamins such as Vitamin E and antioxidants that benefit your skin, hair, and overall health.

3. Light Flavor: Avocado oil has a light, buttery taste that adds to the creamy avocado texture without overpowering it.

4. Nutrient Absorption: Often, avocados are nutrient oh Pis, and using avocado oil to cook them allows you to benefit from the absorption of those nutrients.

Ideas and Variations for Avocado Confit

Now you know how to prepare basic avocado confit, and now let’s get creative! Here are some versions to experiment with:

1. Avocado Confit Toast: Spread your confit avocado onto a piece of toasted sourdough, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt. It is the perfect breakfast or snack.

2. Avocado Confit Salad: Mix your confit avocado slices with fresh arugula, sliced cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a bright salad.

3. Avocado Confit Tacos: Use your confit avocado as the filling for soft corn tortillas, adding pickled onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to make a fresh, flavorful taco.

Key Takeaways

• The role of avocado confit is to make avocados taste and feel richer than they already are, by cooking them slowly with the oil.
• Avocado oil is an ideal choice for this technique, with its high smoke point, mild flavor and health benefits.
• Avocado confit doesn’t take much: a few ingredients, and a little patience.
• Avocado confit lends itself to a wide range of uses, from salads to tacos to toast.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Bottom line: You can definitely make avocado confit with avocado oil and it’s a great idea! Avocado oil has a delicate, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy texture of the avocado, making this a dish that is both decadent and guilt-free. Whether you use it as a topping (a whispered-about condiment at dad’s Durham spot, the Salt Lick) or as the match to a seared fish or roast chicken, as much for its creamy texture as its flavor, this avocado confit ought to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy cooking, and happy experimenting with this tasty technique!