The essence of garlic, Toum is a fluffy Lebanese mayonnaise that is the PERFECT accompaniment to meats, fish and vegetables. It's revered, and for good reason - learn how to make magic happen with garlic and oil.
Split up the garlic and peel the cloves and cut off the woody end.
Using a small paring knife, split each clove or garlic in half, lengthways and remove the ‘germ’ from the centre. The germ is a small shoot inside. It sometimes appears a little green, but generally not so just look in the centre and lever it out with the tip of the knife (see picture above for details).
Once you’ve removed all the germs, discard and place the garlic into a food processor along with the salt.
Blend the garlic until it forms a paste, you’ll need to use a spatula once or twice to scrape the garlic from the sides. When it’s smooth you can begin to very slowly drizzle in about 1/4 cup of the oil with the motor still running.
The garlic will start to emulsify and take on a creamier appearance. After 1/4 cup of oil, with the motor still running, squeeze in the juice of 1/2 the lemon and then a slow stream of of oil (about 1/2 cup).
It’s important to take this stage slowly to help create a stable emulsification. If you add oil too quickly, it will split and may not be salvageable.
With the motor still running, you can now begin to gradually and slowly pour in the rest of the oil. After about half has been added, add the second half of the lemon juice and then the remaining oil. The toum should now be a fluffy, creamy texture and white in appearance.
The oil you use will affect the colour slightly, so if your oil is green or yellow, you may not have a completely white colour, which is fine!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Spread it on grilled meats, such as kebabs or shawarma, for a burst of garlic flavour.
Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.
Serve alongside falafel as a flavourful dipping sauce.
Spread it on warm pita bread or flatbreads for a simple yet tasty snack.
Incorporate it into sandwiches or wraps for an extra punch of garlic goodness.
Pair it with grilled or roasted vegetables for a vibrant and flavourful side dish.
Mix it into salad dressings for a creamy garlic twist.
Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Stir it into cooked grains like rice or quinoa for added flavour and creaminess.
Enjoy it as a condiment alongside Middle Eastern mezze platters, complementing dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush.
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store Toum in an airtight container; it stays fresh for up to three weeks. To extend shelf life, flatten Toum, add a thin oil layer, and seal tightly.
Freezer: While possible to freeze in small airtight containers, texture may change upon thawing, becoming grainy or watery. It's not recommended but feasible if necessary.