Garlic sauces are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, with toum being a standout favorite. This creamy, fluffy garlic sauce is not just delicious, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare. Below, we delve into the simple recipe for traditional toum, highlighting its key ingredients and providing step-by-step instructions for making this versatile sauce that complements a variety of dishes.
Traditional Toum Garlic Sauce
This authentic toum recipe consists of only four ingredients, creating a wonderfully aromatic and satisfying sauce. Its potency is derived from the fresh garlic, while the emulsification technique provides a light and fluffy texture. Perfect for spreading on sandwiches, drizzling over grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce, toum is sure to be a favorite in any culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 4 large cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 cup of neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Begin by placing the garlic cloves and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the garlic is finely minced and resembles a paste.
- Emulsify: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the oil. It is vital to add the oil gradually to create a proper emulsion. The texture should start to thicken as the oil is incorporated.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the mixture is thick and fluffy, stop the processor and scrape down the sides. Add the fresh lemon juice and blend until fully integrated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the toum is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of cold water until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the toum to a serving bowl or airtight container. This sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and develop further.
Enjoy this exquisite toum sauce as a delightful addition to your meals, bringing a burst of garlicky flavor to everything from meats and veggies to sandwiches and dips. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a must-try for anyone looking to enhance their culinary creations.