Garlic Toum is a dip originating in Lebanon, characterized by a cloud-like white paste. It is known for its strong garlic flavor, and it is made with four primary ingredients: garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt.

The preparation process is similar to that of aioli. Traditional toum achieves its consistency by emulsifying garlic and oil, resulting in a mayonnaise-like texture without eggs, which contributes to a longer shelf life when stored in the refrigerator. Many households in the Middle East prepare toum in large batches and share it among family members.

Ingredients

Oil, Garlic cloves, Lemon, and Salt.

Choose an oil with a neutral flavor, such as Grapeseed oil, Light Sunflower oil, Canola oil, or Avocado oil. Fresh garlic cloves provide that pungent, garlicky flavor. Lemon juice balances the strong garlic taste. To ensure that the Toum forms into a fluffy cloud, use cold ingredients such as garlic and lemon juice. Use an immersion blender in a narrow container when making a medium portion of Toum. If making a larger portion, use a food processor.

Instructions

Add the garlic cloves. lemon juice, oil, and salt to the container. Place the immersion blender at the bottom and pulse until a thick, billowy cloud forms. This process should take a few seconds; keep pulsating until it forms a thick sauce. For extra smoothness, add ice water; it will loosen the sauce and give it an airy texture. This is the same technique used to make mayonnaise.

If using a food processor, add the garlic cloves to the container and pulse until they are finely minced. Use a spoon to push down any minced garlic that is on the side of the container. Thereafter, add the oil, lemon juice, and salt, gradually, and blend until a thick paste forms. Add the ice water and process until a thick, white sauce is formed.

How to Store Toum?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. The flavor will intensify gradually. If preparing a large batch, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Toum?

When made correctly, toum complements dishes such as Chicken Shawarma, Shish tawook, and Grilled Lamb Chops. Garlic toum can be slathered on freshly Baked Dinner rolls and adds flavor to Chicken Pizzas.

Garlic Toum

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Servings:

Calories: 219kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Ingredients

Instructions

Add garlic cloves, lemon juice, oil, and salt to a container. Use an immersion blender at the bottom, pulsing until a thick sauce forms. For a smoother texture, add ice water. If using a food processor, pulse garlic until minced, add the oil, lemon juice, and salt gradually, then blend into a thick paste. Finally, add ice water and process until a thick, white sauce forms.