Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Thum)
Experience the bold flavors of the Middle East with this authentic Lebanese Garlic Sauce, known as Thum. This creamy, garlicky delight is perfect for enhancing grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for pita bread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this sauce that strikes a perfect balance between robust garlic and smooth texture. Optional ingredients like yogurt and potato help mellow the flavor, making it adaptable to your taste. Serve it at gatherings or enjoy it as a personal flavor boost all week long!
406
Servings
4
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
5 large (peeled)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (drizzled slowly)
yogurt
4 tablespoons (optional)
small potato
1 (boiled and mashed (optional))
Instructions
1
In a mortar and pestle, combine the peeled garlic cloves and a pinch of salt.
2
Pound the mixture until it forms a fine paste, ensuring the garlic is thoroughly broken down.
3
Gradually drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the garlic paste, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula to emulsify the oil and garlic together.
4
If you prefer a milder flavor, mix in the optional yogurt and/or the mashed potato until well blended.
5
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.4g
Fat
0.1g
Carbs
0.02g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Thum)?
Thum is a creamy and robust garlic condiment essential to Lebanese cuisine, often served with grilled meats and pita.
What are the primary ingredients for Thum?
The base ingredients are 5 large garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
Pound peeled garlic cloves with salt in a mortar and pestle until they form a fine, smooth paste.
What is the traditional method for making this sauce?
The traditional method uses a mortar and pestle to manually emulsify the garlic and oil.
How do I emulsify the oil and garlic?
Gradually drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the garlic paste while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Can I make the garlic flavor milder?
Yes, you can mix in optional ingredients like 4 tablespoons of yogurt or a small mashed potato to mellow the flavor.
Is this Lebanese Garlic Sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is calculated to provide approximately 406 small servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 4 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of Thum?
Each serving contains about 0.4g of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in this sauce?
No, there is only about 0.1g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this sauce contain protein?
It contains a very small amount of protein, roughly 0.02g per serving.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Can I use Thum as a dip?
Yes, it is a perfect dip for pita bread or fresh vegetables.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How much salt should I add?
Start with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and adjust to your personal taste at the end.
What is the purpose of the potato in this recipe?
A boiled and mashed potato helps to create a smoother, thicker texture and reduces the sharp bite of the garlic.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, the sauce is naturally vegan if you omit the optional yogurt.
How should I stir the mixture?
Use a wooden spoon or spatula and stir in a consistent motion to ensure the oil and garlic emulsify correctly.
Why is it important to pound the garlic into a fine paste?
Breaking the garlic down completely is essential for a smooth, creamy emulsion that won't separate.
What does Thum taste like?
It has a bold, pungent garlic flavor that is balanced by the richness of olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, none of the ingredients listed contain gluten.
Can I use this as a sandwich spread?
Absolutely, it is commonly used as a spread for chicken shawarma and other Middle Eastern wraps.
How much yogurt is needed if I choose to use it?
The recipe suggests adding 4 tablespoons of yogurt.
What type of potato should I use?
One small potato, boiled and mashed until smooth, works best.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
According to the nutritional data provided, the recipe does not contain cholesterol.
Can I add other spices to the Thum?
While salt is the traditional seasoning, you can adjust the salt level to your preference.
How do I know if the emulsion is successful?
The mixture will look creamy and pale, similar to mayonnaise, rather than oily and separated.
Is this sauce spicy?
It is not spicy in terms of chili heat, but the raw garlic provides a sharp, pungent 'kick'.
What is the best way to store Thum?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor.