Toum –Toum, often referred to as Lebanese garlic sauce, is a creamy and flavorful condiment that elevates a variety of dishes. This versatile sauce can be enjoyed with grilled meats, meats, and vegetables, giving them an aromatic touch that is truly irresistible. Below, you will find a detailed recipe, including the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of Toum.
Toum – Simply Lebanese
To start off, let’s take a look at the stunning image of Toum that showcases its delightful texture and color.

Ingredients
For a classic batch of Toum, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 cups of neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tablespoon of cold water (optional, for adjusting the consistency)
Instructions
Preparing Toum is straightforward, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious garlic sauce that can enhance your meals. Here’s how to make it:
- Begin by placing the peeled garlic cloves and salt into a food processor. Pulse the garlic until it is finely minced.
- Once the garlic is minced, start the food processor again and slowly drizzle in a little bit of oil while the machine is running. This is crucial, as it helps emulsify the garlic and oil.
- Continue adding the oil gradually while allowing the mixture to blend well. This process should take several minutes until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- After incorporating all of the oil, add the lemon juice and blend for an additional few seconds to mix well. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon of cold water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the Toum and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or lemon juice according to your preference.
Once completed, transfer the Toum to a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Serve it alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or use it as a zesty spread for wraps and sandwiches. Enjoy the robust flavors of Toum as it complements your culinary creations!