This creamy Lebanese garlic sauce was a staple at our family gatherings, and now, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. Dive in and discover a taste that feels like home.
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Let me introduce you to the amazing world of Lebanese garlic sauce, known as ‘toum.’ This sauce is super famous and delicious. You can use it on shawarmas, grilled meats, and roasted veggies. My husband loves it, especially with BBQ chicken or grilled veggies. It’s got that perfect combo of tangy garlic and delicious meat or veggies.
The best part? Making this sauce is easy-peasy. You only need four ingredients and a few simple steps. Once you’ve got it, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a month and use it whenever you want to add some garlicky goodness to your food. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of Lebanese garlic sauce together!
What is Toum? Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Toum, or Lebanese garlic sauce, is all about one thing: garlic. It’s like the garlic champion of the Middle East. They’ve loved this sauce for ages, and it’s easy to see why.
In Arabic culture, garlic is a big deal. They love its flavor and think it’s pretty good for you. So, they made this awesome sauce called Toum, and it’s packed with that fantastic garlic flavor.
Now, making Toum isn’t a snap. It takes some skill and patience. Mix fresh garlic, salt, oil, and lemon juice to create a sauce like garlic heaven. And the best part? You can keep it in the fridge for a whole month, ready to make your food taste awesome anytime you want.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce Ingredients
- Garlic: The star of the show. Fresh, peeled cloves infuse the sauce with a robust, pungent aroma that is unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Salt: A simple seasoning that accentuates the natural zing of the garlic, enhancing its flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or canola ensures that the garlic remains the dominant flavor while giving the sauce its smooth texture.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty undertone, balancing the robustness of the garlic with its tangy freshness, giving this Lebanese Garlic Sauce its signature kick.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum):
- Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh garlic cloves. Ensure they are peeled and the center germ is removed for a milder flavor and smoother texture.
- Oil Choice: Use a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower oil to avoid overpowering the garlic’s delicate balance
- Processing: Combine garlic cloves with salt to create a paste-like consistency.
- Gradual Oil Addition: After initial blending, add a tablespoon of oil to the paste and blend again for a silky texture and emulsification.
- Balancing Lemon Juice and Oil: Achieve perfection by slowly alternating lemon juice and remaining oil three times for sublime emulsification.
- Utilize Equipment: Some food processors have a pusher and a small hole at the bottom of the feed tube for better control over oil flow.
- Patience Pays Off: Making Toum takes time; slowly introduce oil over approximately 10 minutes for a creamy, stable sauce.
- Storage: Transfer your Toum to a sealed container or glass jar. It can be refrigerated for up to a month to enhance your dishes whenever needed.
Troubleshooting Toum Sauce
If your Toum sauce fails to emulsify and breaks, don’t worry! Here are a few methods to fix it:
- Add an Egg White: If your Toum sauce has separated, add an egg white to help stabilize the emulsion. Gradually add a beaten egg white to the broken sauce while running the food processor until it comes together.
- Slowly Incorporate Fresh Garlic: If the sauce still refuses to emulsify, you can start a new batch of Toum and slowly incorporate the broken sauce into it, bit by bit. The fresh garlic in the latest batch can act as an emulsifier and help bind the broken sauce together.
Remember, Toum sauce can be temperamental, and achieving the perfect emulsion can take practice. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time. With some experimentation and these troubleshooting tips, you can master the art of making Toum sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Toum sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your homemade Toum sauce:
- Shawarma: Drizzle Toum sauce generously over your chicken or beef shawarma wrap for a burst of garlicky goodness. Toum’s creamy and tangy flavors perfectly complement the savory and spiced meat.
- Chicken Wrap Sandwich: Layer Toum sauce on pita, top with grilled chicken, veggies, and your favorite extras. The Toum sauce adds a delightful creamy and garlicky kick to your sandwich.
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers alongside a dollop of Toum sauce. Combining smoky grilled flavors with the creamy and aromatic Toum sauce creates a mouthwatering side dish.
- French Fries: Elevate your French fries by dipping them into Toum sauce. The creamy garlic flavors of the sauce perfectly complement the crispy and salty fries.
- Roasted Chicken with Za’atar and Sumac: Roast a Za’atar and Sumac-seasoned chicken for robust flavor. Serve with Toum for a tangy, garlicky harmony.
Feel free to get creative and explore other dishes where Toum sauce can be a delightful addition. Enjoy the versatile flavors of this Lebanese condiment!
Preparation
![Finished Lebanese Garlic Sauce Toum in a bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley.](https://ranasrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Photo-Jul-10-2023-3-14-41-PM.jpg)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Toum, a Lebanese garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with shawarma, grilled chicken, and more. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can create this staple condiment that will elevate your Middle Eastern dishes. Remember not to freeze the Toum for the best taste and texture.
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
1 cup peeled garlic cloves about 5 oz | |
2 teaspoons salt | |
3 cups vegetable oil (neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or canola) | |
1/2 cup lemon juice |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Variation: Herb-infused Toum Sauce
Not to Freeze
Nutrition Information
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I would love to hear your experience!
Try my homemade Toum sauce and experience the authentic taste of the Middle East! Share your feedback and variations in the comments below.