Description
This 5-Minute Fluffy Toum recipe delivers a creamy, garlicky spread that’s delightfully easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, is made by emulsifying fresh garlic, lemon juice, salt, and neutral oil to create a light, fluffy condiment perfect for enhancing meats, vegetables, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Base
- 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and cut in half
Flavoring
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Oil
- 1 cup neutral vegetable oil (such as avocado oil, avoid olive oil)
Optional Enhancements
- Herbs like parsley, to taste (for flavor enhancement)
- Spices like cumin, to taste (optional for flavor variation)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic: Peel 6 to 8 fresh garlic cloves and cut each clove in half. Remove any green germ inside the cloves to reduce bitterness. Place the prepared garlic halves into a tall jug suitable for an immersion blender.
- Blend Initial Mixture: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and about 1 teaspoon of salt to the garlic in the jug. Using an immersion blender, pulse the mixture for 20 to 30 seconds until it forms a smooth paste.
- Emulsify with Oil: Keep the immersion blender running at the bottom of the jug and slowly drizzle in 1 cup of neutral vegetable oil over 3 to 5 minutes. This slow, steady process helps the mixture thicken and emulsify, turning it into a creamy, fluffy toum.
- Adjust Seasoning: Once thick and creamy, taste the toum and adjust the lemon juice or salt to your liking. You may also add optional herbs or spices at this stage for extra flavor.
- Store: Transfer the toum into an airtight mason jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 2 to 3 months.
Notes
- Removing the garlic germ helps reduce bitterness and improves the sauce’s smoothness.
- Use a neutral oil like avocado or sunflower to prevent overpowering the garlic flavor; avoid olive oil as it can turn bitter.
- Slowly adding the oil is key for a stable emulsion and fluffy texture.
- Toum can be used as a dip, spread, or condiment to complement grilled meats, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent discoloration.
