Traditional Toum
Unleash the bold, creamy magic of Traditional Toum, a quintessential Lebanese garlic sauce that promises to elevate any dish. This authentic recipe combines fresh garlic cloves, zesty lemon juice, and silky vegetable oil in a delicate emulsion, creating a smooth and fluffy Mediterranean condiment bursting with flavor. Perfectly balanced with a touch of salt and water, Toum is irresistibly versatile—ideal as a dipping sauce for warm pita, a condiment for grilled meats, or a spread for sandwiches. With just 15 minutes of preparation, this dairy-free, gluten-free recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxuriously rich and tangy sauce that stores beautifully for up to a month. Whether you're a garlic enthusiast or exploring Middle Eastern cuisine, this homemade Toum guarantees a crowd-pleasing experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 large cloves Fresh garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Cold water
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
- 2 Ice cubes
Instructions
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove any green sprouts from the center to prevent bitterness.
In a food processor, combine the garlic and salt. Process on high speed until finely minced, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the garlic and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Slowly, with the processor running, begin to add the oil in a very thin, steady stream. This process should take about 10 minutes to ensure a proper emulsion. If the oil is added too quickly, the toum may break and become more like a vinaigrette instead of a creamy sauce.
Between additions of oil, occasionally scrape the sides of the processor bowl to ensure all garlic is incorporated. If you notice the mixture thickening too much, add some cold water one tablespoon at a time.
Once all the oil has been incorporated and the mixture is thick and fluffy, slowly add the remaining lemon juice while the processor is running to brighten the flavor.
For a looser consistency, continue processing while slowly adding ice cubes one at a time until the desired texture is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the toum to a clean container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, where it will firm up as it chills.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4280 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 473.5 g | 607% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.2 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2383 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.4 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 302 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.
