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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.
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 10 Minutes.
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
How Many Servings?
16 Servings/ 2 oz
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
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
1
Start by peeling the garlic cloves, ensuring they are completely free of skin. Cut each clove in half and remove the green germ or middle part, as it can contribute to a bitter taste.
2
Using food processor, combine the peeled garlic cloves and salt. Crush or process the garlic and salt together until they form a paste-like consistency.
3
Once the garlic and salt have formed a paste, gradually add one tablespoon of oil at a time while continuously mixing or processing. This step helps create a smoother paste and incorporate the oil.
4
Begin drizzling the lemon juice into the mixture, alternating with the vegetable oil. Slowly drizzle the liquids from a distance, allowing them to emulsify and create the desired creamy texture. It's important to drizzle slowly and steadily while continuously mixing or processing.
5
Continue adding the lemon juice and vegetable oil in alternating increments, ensuring the mixture is well combined after each addition. This process should take around 10 minutes until the desired creamy texture, similar to mayonnaise, is achieved. Be patient and take your time to reach the right consistency.
6
Once the desired texture is achieved, transfer the Toum to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will continue to thicken slightly as it chills.
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Variation: Herb-infused Toum Sauce
For a flavorful twist on the traditional Toum sauce, you can infuse it with herbs. Simply add a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill to the food processor along with the garlic and salt. Process until well combined and continue with the remaining steps as mentioned in the original recipe. The herb-infused Toum sauce adds an extra layer of freshness and aromatic flavors to your dishes.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and find your favorite combination. Enjoy the herb-infused Toum sauce in various Middle Eastern recipes or as a delightful dip for vegetables and bread.
Not to Freeze
It is not recommended to freeze Toum sauce as it may affect its texture and consistency. Toum is best enjoyed fresh, so it's ideal to make it in small batches that can be consumed within a reasonable time frame. Store the Toum sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month for the best flavor and quality.