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Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as toum, is a creamy, garlicky sauce made by emulsifying fresh garlic with vegetable oil, lemon juice, and ice water. This versatile condiment brightens sandwiches, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables with its bold, tangy flavor and smooth texture. Perfect as a dip or spread, this recipe takes about 20 minutes to emulsify slowly for the best creamy consistency.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ¾ cup peeled garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons ice water

For Serving (Optional)

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Flatbread
  • Fresh vegetables

Instructions

  1. Prepare Garlic Paste: Add the garlic cloves and kosher salt to a food processor and process until the garlic breaks down into a smooth paste, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.
  2. Incorporate Oil Slowly: With the food processor running, start drizzling the vegetable oil a few drops at a time into the garlic paste. After adding the first ¼ cup, continue to drizzle the oil very slowly and steadily to help the mixture emulsify properly and thicken.
  3. Add Lemon Juice Midway: Once half of the oil has been added, slowly drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the mixture while the processor is running to combine flavors and maintain the emulsion.
  4. Finish Adding Oil: Continue to slowly drizzle the remaining oil into the food processor in a steady stream, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. This gradual process will take about 20 minutes and is key to achieving the right creamy texture.
  5. Incorporate Ice Water: While the motor is running, drizzle the ice-cold water into the mixture. This helps smooth out the sauce, giving it a light, creamy consistency.
  6. Serve and Store: Transfer the Lebanese garlic sauce to a bowl. Optionally drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with flatbread, pita, or fresh vegetables. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • This garlic sauce works wonderfully as a dip for fresh vegetables or flatbread.
  • Use it as a flavorful substitute for mayonnaise in chicken sandwiches for a bold garlic punch.
  • Ensure the oil is drizzled slowly to allow proper emulsification and avoid separation.
  • For best results, use fresh garlic and cold ice water to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Keywords: Lebanese garlic sauce, toum, garlic dip, garlic sauce recipe, Middle Eastern sauce, garlic condiment, homemade garlic sauce

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/lebanese-garlic-sauce-recipe/