Middle Eastern Garlic Sauce
Transform your meals with the creamy magic of Middle Eastern Garlic Sauce, also known as "Toum," a flavor-packed condiment that's a staple in Lebanese cuisine. This velvety, bold sauce is made with just five ingredients—fresh garlic cloves, sunflower oil, lemon juice, salt, and water—yet delivers an irresistibly tangy, garlicky punch. Expertly emulsified in a food processor, this recipe creates a fluffy, spreadable texture perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread. With only 10 minutes of prep and no cooking required, this authentic garlic sauce is a quick and easy way to elevate any dish while showcasing the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cooking. Make it ahead of time to let the flavors meld and enjoy all week!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 large cloves Fresh garlic cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 cups Sunflower oil (or neutral-flavored oil)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Cold water
Instructions
Peel the garlic cloves and remove any green shoots from the center to ensure a smoother, less bitter sauce.
In a food processor, combine the garlic cloves and salt. Pulse until the garlic is finely minced, scraping down the sides as needed.
With the food processor running, begin to slowly drizzle in sunflower oil (or another neutral oil) in a very thin, steady stream. Alternate occasionally with small amounts of lemon juice.
After the initial addition of oil and lemon juice, drizzle in the cold water gradually, which will help to stabilize the emulsion.
Continue alternating between adding oil and lemon juice in small increments, blending constantly. The mixture will thicken and turn into a creamy, fluffy sauce.
Once all the oil has been incorporated, stop the food processor and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding a pinch more salt or an extra splash of lemon juice.
Transfer the garlic sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to mellow and meld together.
Serve as a dip, spread, or sauce. The garlic sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4150 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 473.5 g | 607% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.7 g | 254% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1203 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.4 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 110 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 287 mg | 6% | |
*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.
