Description
A traditional Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) that’s fluffy, creamy, and packed with bold garlicky flavor—perfect as a dip, spread, or condiment for grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh garlic cloves, peeled and trimmed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 to 3 cups neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1–2 tablespoons cold water or a few ice cubes
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine garlic cloves and salt. Pulse until finely minced and paste-like.
- Begin drizzling in the oil drop by drop while processing to start emulsification.
- As the mixture thickens, continue adding oil in a very slow, steady stream while blending continuously.
- Alternate with small amounts of lemon juice and cold water to maintain texture and brightness.
- Once the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and fluffy, taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Transfer to a clean jar or container and refrigerate. It will thicken more as it chills.
Notes
Add a touch of olive oil for a different flavor dimension.
Reduce garlic for a milder version.
Add herbs or spices like parsley or paprika for a twist.
Mix in yogurt or labneh for a tangy variation.
Serve cold or room temperature—never warm it to avoid breaking the emulsion.
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
