Description
A vibrant garlic sauce perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over grilled meats and fish. A Middle Eastern staple, its surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cups (180 ml) water
- 2 to 5 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice or vinegar
- 3 to 5 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Starch Mixture
- In a small pot, dissolve cornstarch in 3/4 cup of water, stirring until smooth.
- Place the pot over medium-low heat and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles; continue whisking for 2 minutes after bubbling.
- Remove from heat and allow the starch mixture to cool completely.
- Prepare the Garlic
- Finely mince the garlic cloves with a pinch of salt.
- Combine Ingredients
- Pour the cooled starch mixture into a blender or food processor. Add the minced garlic and lemon juice or vinegar.
- Process the mixture until it begins to turn white and creamy.
- Add the Oil Gradually
- With the blender or food processor running, drizzle in the oil 1 teaspoon at a time, fully incorporating each addition before adding more.
- Continue adding oil until the mixture reaches the desired consistency; you may not need all of the oil.
- Serve or Store
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 10-14 days.
- If the sauce thickens during storage, pulse it in a blender with an additional tablespoon of oil to restore smoothness.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use fewer garlic cloves; for a more intense flavor, use more.
- If using a high-powered blender, you may be able to add the oil more quickly, but avoid adding it too rapidly to prevent the emulsion from breaking.
- For a smoother toum, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining garlic bits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1