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–+ servings
Lebanese Garlic Sauce

Zesty Lebanese Garlic Sauce That Elevates Every Meal

This Lebanese Garlic Sauce, or Toum, enhances any dish with its creamy, zesty flavor and is a perfect vegan alternative to mayonnaise.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is key to achieving that bold, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 tsp Salt A pinch elevates the taste while balancing the sharpness of garlic.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil Use a neutral oil like sunflower or canola to create that creamy, silky texture.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed adds brightness and balances the richness; avoid bottled juice for best results.
  • 1 tbsp Water Helps with emulsification; adjust as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lebanese Garlic Sauce
  1. Soak the Garlic: Peel several cloves of fresh garlic and soak them in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes to soften the sharpness.
  2. Blend the Base Ingredients: Drain the soaked garlic, transfer it to the food processor, add salt and lemon juice. Blend until the garlic is minced finely.
  3. Emulsify with Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in vegetable oil to emulsify the mixture into a thick, creamy sauce.
  4. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water while blending to achieve your desired consistency.
  5. Troubleshooting Separation: If the sauce separates, add another garlic clove and a tablespoon of water, then blend again until smooth.
  6. Storage and Serving Suggestions: Transfer sauce into an airtight container, refrigerate for up to two weeks. Serve with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or sandwiches.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tbspCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 50mgVitamin C: 1mg

Notes

Always taste and adjust the seasoning before storage. Fresh garlic cloves are essential for maximizing flavor.

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