Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Elevate your culinary creations with this authentic Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as "Toum." Creamy, fluffy, and bursting with bold, garlicky flavor, this versatile condiment is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and the perfect complement to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or freshly baked pita bread. Made with just a handful of ingredients—fresh garlic, kosher salt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and a touch of ice water—this dairy-free and vegan-friendly sauce achieves its silky texture through the magic of emulsification. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, this homemade garlic sauce is easier than you think and stores beautifully for up to a week, making it an essential addition to your meal prep routine. Whether you're looking for a zesty dip, a spread for sandwiches, or a flavorful marinade, this Lebanese classic brings a burst of vibrant flavor to every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 heads Fresh garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 3 cups Vegetable oil (neutral-flavored, such as canola or sunflower)
- 0.5 cup Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Ice water
Instructions
Peel the garlic cloves completely, ensuring they are free of any skins. Measure out about 4 heads’ worth (approximately 1 cup of peeled cloves).
Place the garlic cloves and kosher salt in a food processor or blender equipped with a sharp blade. Pulse until the garlic is finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of ice water to the food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
Turn the food processor on, and very slowly drizzle in the oil (a thin steady stream is key). Alternate adding small amounts of oil and lemon juice in batches until both are incorporated, scraping down the sides occasionally.
Continue blending until the mixture emulsifies into a light, fluffy, and creamy sauce. Patience is essential during this step to avoid the emulsion breaking.
Once all the oil and lemon juice are incorporated, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If it's too thick, a tiny splash of ice water can be added to loosen it slightly.
Transfer the garlic sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors develop.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve chilled as a dip, spread, or sauce alongside your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6608 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 712.2 g | 913% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.9 g | 254% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 711 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.3 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 24.4 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 607 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1564 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
