This Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) is a popular condiment in Lebanese cuisine, made from garlic, oil, and lemon. It's super versatile and pairs perfectly with chicken dishes, and more!
Peel the garlic and, optionally, remove the "germ" (bitter green sprout) from each clove's center. Check all my top tips on how to peel a lot of garlic easily.One quick way is to smash the cloves with the flat side of a knife, then the peel comes off easily.
Add the garlic and salt to the food processor (or a bowl if you're using an immersion blender). Process well until you obtain a well minced garlic, stopping to scrape down the sides of the jug if necessary.
Add the oil a little at a time. Drizzle it in from the bottle or use a measuring spoon and slowly add one spoonful at a time while the machine is still running. Leave plenty of time between each spoonful so the oil is fully incorporated.
After you've added the first few tablespoons of oil and the mixture becomes fluffy, begin alternating between adding small bits of oil and lemon juice. Add a little oil, then a little lemon juice (around 1 tsp at a time) while the machine keeps running. Continue to alternate until the mixture emulsifies and thickens and you have a thick, creamy garlic sauce - this can take 7-9 minutes.
Place the sauce in a glass container and in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to marinate before using.
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Notes
Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Over time, the garlic flavor may remain strong but not as intense as in freshly made garlic sauce.Don't rush the process! This is the biggest tip I can give you. The key to making toum lies in proper emulsification. Add oil slowly, starting with one tablespoon, ensuring it blends well with the salted garlic. Scrape down the sides for thorough mixing. Once creamy, gradually add more oil while alternating with lemon juice for the desired fluffy texture.Give your food processor a break if it starts to get warm. The heat can cause the sauce to separate.Check the blog post for serving suggestions!