Try Our Delicious Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe Today!
Have you ever tried Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as Toum? This sauce is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Lebanon, and for good reason. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with bold garlic flavor. When made right, it adds a delicious kick to any dish.
As an Israeli chef with roots in the Middle East, I’ve experimented with different variations of toum and have finally created the perfect recipe. My Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe is not only easy to follow but also uses simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you all the key tips and tricks to make the best toum at home. Whether you’re looking to elevate your chicken shawarma or want a delicious dipping sauce for your pita bread, this Lebanese Garlic Sauce will take your meal to the next level.
So let’s get started and prepare to experience the bold and flavorful taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with my Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of garlic? Then you’re in for a treat! This Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe is an absolute game-changer. Not only does it have a strong, mouth-watering garlic flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Trust me – this garlic sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
One of the best things about this Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe is how simple it is to make. All you need are a few ingredients: garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and neutral oil. With just a food processor and a bit of patience for the emulsion process between the oil and lemon juice, you can make a creamy and delicious sauce that pairs well with almost any dish.
Plus, this recipe is perfect for those who follow a vegan diet as it doesn’t include any dairy or egg products. It can be used as an alternative to mayonnaise or cream sauces. Try it with pita bread, falafel sandwiches, chicken shawarma, or even as a dipping sauce for veggies! The options are endless.
But what sets this Lebanese Garlic Sauce apart from other garlic sauces out there is its traditional flavor that comes from using peeled raw garlic cloves instead of roasted ones. The use of raw garlic gives it not only its distinct flavor profile but also its health benefits such as boosting the immune system.
So why settle for boring condiments when you can liven up your meals with this homemade Lebanese Garlic Sauce? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take your dishes to the next level with its unbeatable flavor and versatility. Give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to make the delicious Lebanese garlic sauce:
– 1 cup peeled garlic cloves
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
– ¼ cup of lemon juice (freshly squeezed is preferred)
It’s important to use fresh, peeled garlic cloves for this recipe to get the best flavor. Sea salt is also recommended for a more delicate yet distinct salty flavor. Neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil is the preferred choice to help create the emulsion of the sauce, but you could also use olive oil or avocado oil. And of course, fresh lemon juice for that tangy kick in every bite!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making this delicious Lebanese garlic sauce.
Step 1: Preparing the garlic
The first and most crucial step to making this recipe is preparing the garlic. Take 1 cup of peeled garlic cloves and place them in a food processor.
Step 2: Adding oil and lemon juice
Next, add 1 cup of vegetable oil or any neutral oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or olive oil to the food processor along with 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. It’s recommended that you use lemon juice that has been freshly squeezed as it will provide a more authentic taste.
Step 3: Blending the mixture
Now blend the mixture for around 10-12 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally. The goal here is to blend until you have created a smooth emulsion which means that your sauce should be thick and creamy without any separation of liquids.
Step 4: Adding salt
After blending for approximately 12-15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt if you’re using 1 cup of garlic cloves or increase according to the quantity. Your sauce should now have a smooth texture and a garlicky aroma.
Extra Tip: If you prefer your sauce spicier feel free to add red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 5: Continuing blending
Continue blending for another minute until the salt has mixed evenly into the sauce. Once it’s done, you can always carry out a taste test and adjust accordingly with extra lemon juice or salt.
Finally, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge up to one month.
Using this recipe how-to, you’ll be able to recreate this Lebanese Garlic Sauce (also called Toum) effortlessly at home. Enjoy it as a dipping sauce with fresh vegetables or pita bread or use it as a condiment with roasted meat, chicken shawarma or falafel sandwiches.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Lebanese garlic sauce, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can experiment with. For instance, instead of using vegetable oil, you could use olive oil or any other neutral oil such as canola or avocado oil. Remember that the type of oil you choose will affect the taste and texture of your sauce.
If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves on hand, you can also use minced garlic or garlic powder. Keep in mind that pre-minced garlic may have a slightly different flavor than fresh garlic, but it is a suitable substitution if you’re in a hurry.
Another variation of this recipe is to add an egg white to create a creamy garlic spread. This version of the sauce is called toum garlic spread and is commonly served alongside pita bread and chicken shawarma. Adding an egg white to the recipe will give your sauce a creamier texture while still maintaining its signature garlicky flavor.
For those who prefer raw garlic or simply enjoy a stronger garlic taste, try adding more peeled garlic cloves to your recipe (up to 2 cups). You can also increase the amount of lemon juice, salt, or olive oil to balance out the strong flavor of raw garlic.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute the traditional use of egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or even coconut cream. These alternatives will still help create the emulsion needed for the smooth texture of the sauce.
Overall, these substitutions and variations are great ways to personalize your Lebanese garlic sauce recipe according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Experiment with different spices and ingredients to come up with a truly unique and delicious version of this famous dipping sauce!
Serving and Pairing
When serving Lebanese garlic sauce, the possibilities are endless! This versatile sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any Middle Eastern cuisine. Pair it with juicy grilled meats like chicken, beef or lamb, or use it as a dip for vegetables, pita bread or chips. The creamy texture and bold garlic flavor make it a perfect alternative to traditional dips like hummus or baba ghanoush.
For a Lebanese-inspired meal, serve your garlic sauce alongside chicken shawarma, falafel or kibbeh. It also pairs wonderfully with tabbouleh, fattoush or any other salad dish. For something heartier, try mixing it into rice dishes like mujadarra or mansaf.
The raw garlic flavor of Lebanese garlic sauce can be quite strong, so pairing it with subtle dishes can help balance out the flavors. When serving delicate seafood dishes, consider pairing the sauce with refreshing sides like cucumber salad or tzatziki.
No matter how you choose to serve this versatile condiment, be prepared for your taste buds to dance with joy. The rich and creamy texture combined with the bold and flavorful garlic taste will elevate any dish you pair it with. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to keep a batch on hand at all times!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as Toum, is that it can be made and stored easily. This garlicky goodness is a divine addition to any meal, and it’s no wonder that so many people like to make it in advance.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the garlic sauce according to the recipe instructions. Once the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, transfer it to an airtight container, and chill in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can now use it whenever you’re ready to serve.
Storing Lebanese Garlic Sauce is incredibly easy due to its thick and creamy texture. Store it in an airtight container that is well-sealed; otherwise, it could get contaminated by air particles. You can also store the sauce in small batches in ice trays to have them on hand when needed.
When you’re ready to use your stored garlic sauce, there are two ways of reheating it:
Firstly, you can let the garlic sauce come to room temperature before serving. This will bring back its original flavorful taste without putting much effort into reheating.
Alternatively, microwave or heat the garlic sauce gently over low heat while stirring occasionally until warm throughout. Make sure not to overheat as this will alter its texture and taste.
In summary, Lebanon Garlic Sauce or Toum is an excellent make-ahead dipping sauce that can last up to a week or more when stored properly in a fridge. Be sure to handle with care during storage by using an airtight container covered tightly with lid or wrap. Reheat by letting it come back to room temperature naturally or microwaving or heating gently over low-heat while stirring occasionally before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making garlic sauce can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the recipe. As a chef who frequently whips up Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as Toum, I’ve got some tips to help you get that perfect garlicky, creamy result.
Firstly, to ensure that the garlic cloves don’t oxidize and turn green when blended with lemon juice, make sure to use fresh garlic that hasn’t been sitting around for too long.
Using cold ingredients is also key in making a smooth emulsion. I recommend chilling the peeled garlic cloves in the refrigerator and using ice-cold lemon juice and neutral oil straight out of the fridge for the best results.
Another tip is to add the oil very slowly while blending. This helps prevent the sauce from breaking apart and ensures a thick and creamy texture.
It’s essential to season carefully too. Taste as you go along and adjust the salt and lemon juice according to your taste preference. The ratio of these ingredients should be balanced – neither too salty nor too tangy.
When it comes to choosing the right oil, I recommend opting for a neutral-tasting oil like grape seed or vegetable oil rather than olive oil, which can overpower the flavor of the garlic.
Finally, give your food processor or blender small breaks between blending intervals so that it doesn’t overheat. Overheating can ruin your sauce’s texture by causing it to separate instead of creating a smooth emulsified mixture.
In conclusion, following these tips will provide you with an absolutely heavenly Lebanese Garlic Sauce that packs a punch of flavor and pairs well with all kinds of dishes – from chicken shawarma to pita bread and everything in between!
FAQ
Before we conclude, let’s address some frequently asked questions about making this Lebanese garlic sauce. It’s important to note that while this recipe is relatively simple, there are a few common issues that can arise when making it. From problems with the texture to issues with the taste, we’ll help you troubleshoot any challenges you may encounter. So let’s dive into the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.
What is Lebanese garlic sauce made of?
Toum, also known as toumya or salsat toum, is a popular garlic sauce that can be prepared at home. The recipe typically involves using peeled garlic cloves, salt, oil, and lemon juice. Unlike traditional mayonnaise, which uses egg as a binding agent, toum relies on the garlic cloves to stabilize the sauce’s texture.
Is Lebanese garlic sauce healthy?
The nutritional value of Lebanese Garlic Sauce is beneficial for one’s health.
What is creamy garlic sauce made of?
For this recipe, all you need are simple, wholesome ingredients including garlic, butter, flour, cream, and parsley. Unlike pre-made sauces from the grocery store, there are no artificial additives in this recipe. Light cream is the recommended choice, but heavy cream can also work.
What does garlic sauce contain?
Garlic sauce can be easily made by combining garlic with a suspension ingredient like oil, butter, or mayonnaise through emulsion. One can also add other ingredients to enhance the taste of the sauce.
Bottom Line
With this Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe, you can easily make an authentic Middle Eastern sauce that’s perfect for chicken shawarma, pita bread, or as a dipping sauce. Using fresh garlic, lemon juice, and neutral oil with salt is the classic way and our recipe gives you the steps to make it perfectly.
So why not add this delicious and versatile sauce to your repertoire? It’s easy to make, only requires a few simple ingredients, and is sure to impress your friends and family. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Trust me when I say that once you try this Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe, you’ll want to put it on everything! So gather the ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups olive oil
Instructions
- In the container of a blender, combine the garlic cloves, lemon juice and salt. Blend at medium speed until smooth. Continue blending while pouring olive oil into the blender in a thin stream.
- The mixture should become thick and white like salad dressing.
- Store refrigerated in a glass container.