Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Lebanese Garlic Sauce, a beloved Middle Eastern condiment that transforms any dish into a culinary masterpiece. This creamy and flavorful paste marries the bold potency of garlic with the smoothness of olive oil, creating a delightful spread perfect for marinating or drizzling on grilled meats, especially chicken. Ideal for BBQ gatherings or everyday meals, this sauce not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also boasts the health benefits of garlic. Perfect for meal prep, this sauce can be stored and used whenever you crave that garlicky goodness.
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
6-8 cloves (sliced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (fine)
Virgin Olive Oil
as needed (extra virgin)
Instructions
1
Start by slicing the garlic cloves thinly to maximize flavor extraction.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced garlic with the salt.
3
Using a mortar and pestle or a side of a knife, begin to crush the garlic with the salt until the mixture becomes a smooth paste and the salt is fully dissolved.
4
Slowly incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of virgin olive oil into the garlic mixture, stirring vigorously until the oil is completely absorbed.
5
Repeat this process by adding another 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring that it is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue this until you have used up the desired amount of olive oil.
6
With patience, the initial 3 cloves of garlic will transform into a generous bowl of creamy garlic paste.
7
Store the garlic paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well and can be easily used as a marinade, dip, or flavor enhancer for various dishes.
8
Drizzle this delightful garlic sauce over BBQ or grilled chicken for an unforgettable flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lebanese Garlic Sauce?
Lebanese Garlic Sauce is a creamy and aromatic Middle Eastern condiment made from garlic, olive oil, and salt, often used as a spread or marinade.
What are the main ingredients in this garlic sauce?
The main ingredients are 6-8 cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and virgin olive oil.
How should I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The garlic cloves should be sliced thinly before being combined with salt and crushed into a smooth paste.
What is the best way to crush the garlic?
You can use a mortar and pestle or the side of a knife to crush the garlic with salt until it becomes a smooth paste.
Why is salt added to the garlic?
Salt acts as an abrasive to help break down the garlic into a paste and helps dissolve the garlic juices.
How much olive oil should be added at a time?
You should add the olive oil very slowly, about 1/2 teaspoon at a time, ensuring it is fully incorporated before adding more.
Why must the olive oil be added slowly?
Slowly incorporating the oil while stirring vigorously allows the garlic and oil to emulsify into a creamy paste.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Virgin or extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its smooth flavor and health benefits.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 30 servings.
Is Lebanese Garlic Sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this sauce is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients: garlic, salt, and olive oil.
Is this garlic sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store the finished garlic sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Absolutely, it is perfect for marinating meats, especially chicken, to infuse them with bold garlic flavor.
What dishes pair best with Lebanese Garlic Sauce?
It pairs exceptionally well with BBQ, grilled chicken, and various Middle Eastern dishes.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be stored and used whenever needed to enhance your meals.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The texture is a thick, creamy, and smooth paste.
How long does it take for the garlic to turn into a paste?
It requires patience; you must crush it until the salt is fully dissolved and the garlic is completely smooth.
Can I use a food processor instead of a mortar and pestle?
While a mortar and pestle is traditional for this specific small batch, a small food processor can be used if you double or triple the recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads.
Are there health benefits to this sauce?
Yes, the sauce features the health benefits of garlic and the healthy fats found in olive oil.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes, it serves as a delicious and potent dip for bread, vegetables, or meats.
What should I do if the oil doesn't incorporate?
Ensure you are stirring vigorously and only adding a very small amount of oil at a time to prevent separation.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt.
Can I use bottled garlic?
For the best results and flavor extraction, fresh garlic cloves are highly recommended over bottled versions.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a sharp, pungent kick from the raw garlic, but it is not 'spicy' in the sense of chili heat.
What is the origin of this sauce?
This is a traditional Arabic recipe, specifically a staple in Lebanese cuisine.
Can I use other types of oil?
While olive oil is traditional for this version, some variations use neutral oils like canola for a lighter flavor.
How do I maximize flavor extraction?
Slicing the garlic cloves thinly before crushing them helps maximize the release of flavors.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Yes, the sauce is very potent and bold, celebrating the natural flavor of garlic.
Can I use this on fish?
Yes, it makes an excellent accompaniment or marinade for grilled fish and seafood.