Easy Homemade Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum) Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the garlic cloves and salt to the food processor bowl. Pulse for 1 minute or until finely minced. Scrape down the sides.
- Turn on the food processor. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of oil while it runs. Scrape the bowl's sides. Alternate between adding 1-2 tablespoons of oil and lemon juice, repeating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Process for 10-12 minutes.
- Add the sour cream and pulse until blended.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!What You’ll Discover
The Magic of Lebanese Garlic Sauce
This iconic Middle Eastern condiment transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, pungent masterpiece. Unlike typical garlic dips, authentic toum achieves its signature texture through careful emulsification of oil and lemon juice with fresh garlic.
Regional Variations
Across the Mediterranean, you’ll find this garlic paste called:
- Toum (Lebanon)
- Tomiya (Egypt)
- Skordalia (Greece)
Building Flavor: The Essential Components
The brilliance of toum lies in its simplicity. These five ingredients create magic:
1. Fresh Garlic Cloves
Select plump, firm bulbs without green sprouts. About 15-20 cloves create the perfect garlic intensity.
2. Neutral Oil
Canola or vegetable oil allows the garlic flavor to shine without overpowering it.
3. Fresh Lemon Juice
Acidity balances the pungency and helps create that creamy emulsion.
4. Sea Salt
Enhances flavors and aids in breaking down the garlic.
5. Secret Creaminess Booster (Optional)
A touch of sour cream creates extra velvety texture while maintaining authentic flavor.
Crafting Perfect Toum: Step-by-Step
Creating this garlic condiment requires patience but rewards you with incomparable flavor.
Preparation Essentials
- Food processor (blenders don’t work for this recipe)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring spoons
The Process
- Pulse garlic and salt until finely minced
- Begin emulsifying with 1 tbsp oil while processor runs
- Alternate additions of oil and lemon juice (patience is key)
- Incorporate sour cream if using for extra creaminess
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon if needed
Professional Techniques for Perfect Results
After testing dozens of variations, these techniques guarantee success:
Temperature Matters
Room temperature ingredients emulsify better than cold ones.
The Slow Drizzle
Adding oil too quickly breaks the emulsion – think thin stream over 10-12 minutes.
Texture Troubleshooting
- Too thin? Add 1-2 more garlic cloves
- Too thick? Blend in 1 tsp lemon juice at a time
- Broken sauce? Start with fresh garlic and try again
Beyond Dips: Creative Uses for Lebanese Garlic Sauce
This versatile condiment transforms countless dishes:
Protein Enhancer
- Marinate chicken before grilling
- Drizzle over lamb chops
- Mix into ground beef for kebabs
Vegetable Transformations
- Roasted cauliflower game-changer
- Grilled eggplant companion
- Potato salad secret weapon
Sandwich Revolution
Replace mayo in:
- Shawarma wraps
- Falafel pitas
- Grilled cheese upgrades
Properly stored in an airtight container, it keeps for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Traditional mortar and pestle methods work but require significant elbow grease.
This usually happens when oil is added too quickly or ingredients are cold.
Expand Your Middle Eastern Cooking Repertoire
Now that you’ve mastered Lebanese garlic sauce, explore more authentic flavors:
- Perfect your hummus technique
- Try making labneh at home
- Experiment with za’atar seasoning blends
For more global recipe inspiration, follow our Pinterest boards featuring authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and creative condiment ideas.
Ready to transform your cooking with bold flavors? This Lebanese garlic sauce recipe will become your secret weapon in the kitchen – share your creations with #AuthenticToum!
Is Lebanese garlic sauce (toum) vegan-friendly?
Authentic toum is completely plant-based, made with just garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Our recipe includes optional sour cream for extra creaminess – simply omit this ingredient to keep it 100% vegan while still enjoying that classic bold garlic flavor!
What type of oil works best for making authentic Lebanese garlic sauce (toum)?
For the best results when making toum, use neutral-flavored oils like canola or vegetable oil. These allow the bold garlic flavor to take center stage without competing tastes. While you might consider olive oil, it’s not ideal because it can change both the flavor profile and the creamy white color that makes traditional toum so visually appealing.
Why is my Lebanese garlic sauce bitter and how can I fix it?
Your toum might taste bitter if you over-blend the garlic or use older cloves with green sprouts. For the best flavor, always choose fresh garlic and remove any green parts before processing.
Can you use Lebanese garlic sauce (toum) as a meat marinade?
Absolutely! Toum makes an exceptional marinade—its bold garlic flavor perfectly enhances chicken, lamb, and other meats before grilling or roasting.
