Traditional Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)

4.1

(26)

54 Reviews

A bold, creamy garlic sauce and dip, Lebanese toum is easy to make at home with the help of a food processor and a little good technique.

By Sohla El-Waylly

Sohla El-Waylly Sohla El-Waylly is a culinary creator, video host, and CIA graduate whose work can be found on Serious Eats, Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Food52, YouTube, and more.

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Updated on November 8, 2026

How to Make Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)

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Why It Works

Fresh, firm garlic with the germ removed gives toum a bold, smooth flavor without bitterness.

Blending the garlic into a smooth paste releases natural emulsifiers that stabilize the sauce without eggs.

Slowly streaming in the oil ensures a stable, fluffy toum without greasiness.

Alternating oil with small amounts of lemon juice and water keeps the emulsion from breaking.

Whenever my husband and I order delivery from our favorite…