Description
This authentic Lebanese Garlic Sauce, known as Toum, is a creamy, fluffy, and intensely flavorful condiment made from fresh garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Perfect for enhancing grilled meats, sandwiches, and dips, Toum is a versatile staple in Middle Eastern cuisine with a rich, garlicky punch and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh garlic, peeled
- 2½ cups neutral flavored oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic: In your food processor, add the salt and the peeled garlic cloves. Pulse the garlic in short bursts, taking breaks to scrape down the sides with a spatula, until the garlic is finely chopped and forms a rough paste.
- Emulsify Sauce: With the food processor running continuously, very slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil followed by 1 tablespoon of lemon juice at a time. This slow incorporation is crucial to form a stable emulsion and prevent the sauce from breaking.
- Continue Adding Ingredients: Gradually continue to add the remaining oil and lemon juice alternately in small tablespoons until all the ingredients are fully combined. The process should take about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens up to a creamy, fluffy consistency.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the garlic sauce into a glass container and allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. Serve as a condiment with grilled meats, vegetables, or use as a flavorful dip.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best pungent flavor and smooth texture.
- Slowly adding oil and lemon juice is key to creating a stable emulsion.
- You can replace neutral oil with light olive oil for a slightly different flavor but avoid strong extra virgin olive oil which may overpower the sauce.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a milder flavor, use less garlic or add a small amount of potato or boiled egg white as a stabilizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Lebanese
