Zesty Lebanese Garlic Bliss Sauce
Unlock the unparalleled flavor experience of the Zesty Lebanese Garlic Bliss Sauce, inspired by the legendary Zankou Chicken. This rich, creamy garlic sauce combines the robust essence of fresh garlic with the comforting texture of smooth potatoes, creating an irresistible dip or condiment perfect for elevating any Mediterranean dish. Whether slathered on grilled chicken, drizzled over juicy beef shawarma, or nestled in a warm pita with fresh vegetables, this sauce guarantees to impress. Just one taste, and you'll find yourself savoring its eclectic blend of flavors long after your meal. Just a heads-up: this sauce is garlic-charged and will leave a lasting impression—so enjoy it in good company!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
3 small (peeled and boiled until soft)
garlic
1 head (12-14 cloves) (crushed and quartered)
fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
salt
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
canola oil
1/2 cup (for blending)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the russet potatoes and placing them in a pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Drain and mash them, then allow them to cool completely.
2
Next, take an entire head of garlic, separate the cloves, and remove the skins. Cut each clove into quarters. In a heavy-duty blender, combine the quartered garlic, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Pour a thin layer of canola oil over the garlic mixture.
3
Blend on high speed until the garlic is finely pureed. While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the remaining canola oil through the lid opening, allowing the ingredients to emulsify and create a smooth, creamy texture.
4
Once the garlic mixture is fully blended, it's time to incorporate the mashed potatoes. Add the potatoes gradually, about 2-3 tablespoons at a time, and continue blending until completely smooth. If your blender struggles, consider moving the mixture to a larger bowl and using an immersion blender for a more robust blending experience.
5
Once well mixed, transfer the garlic sauce into a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, achieving the desired thick, spreadable consistency reminiscent of Zankou's famous sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lebanese Garlic Bliss Sauce?
It is a rich, creamy garlic sauce inspired by Zankou Chicken, blending fresh garlic with smooth mashed potatoes for a Mediterranean dip.
Is this sauce similar to Zankou Chicken garlic sauce?
Yes, it is a copycat recipe designed to replicate the legendary flavor and texture of Zankou's famous garlic sauce.
What are the main ingredients?
The sauce is made from 5 ingredients: russet potatoes, garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and canola oil.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this sauce is vegan-friendly as it uses no animal products, relying on potatoes and oil for creaminess.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one entire head of garlic, which is approximately 12 to 14 cloves.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using 3 small russet potatoes for the best texture.
How do I prepare the potatoes?
Peel the potatoes, boil them until fork-tender, drain them, mash them, and then let them cool completely before use.
Can I use hot potatoes in the blender?
No, you must allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before incorporating them into the garlic mixture.
What is the best oil for this sauce?
Canola oil is used to emulsify the sauce while maintaining a neutral flavor profile.
How do I emulsify the sauce?
While the blender is running on high speed, slowly drizzle the canola oil through the lid opening to create a smooth, creamy texture.
How should I prep the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be peeled, crushed, and cut into quarters before being placed in the blender.
What should I do if my blender cannot handle the mixture?
If your blender struggles with the thickness, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and use an immersion blender instead.
How long does the sauce need to refrigerate?
The sauce should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken.
What is the final consistency of the sauce?
The sauce has a thick, spreadable consistency, making it perfect as either a dip or a condiment.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
For the best flavor, the recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Yes, the sauce is 'garlic-charged' and robust, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, beef shawarma, or tucked inside a warm pita with fresh vegetables.
How do I add the potatoes to the garlic mix?
Add the mashed potatoes gradually, about 2-3 tablespoons at a time, blending between additions until smooth.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients—potatoes, garlic, lemon, oil, and salt—are naturally gluten-free.
Why are potatoes added to this garlic sauce?
Potatoes provide a comforting, smooth texture and act as a stabilizer to help the sauce achieve its signature thickness.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store the garlic sauce in a covered bowl or airtight container in the refrigerator.
Does this sauce contain dairy?
No, there is no dairy in this recipe; the creamy texture is achieved through emulsion and mashed potatoes.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola?
Canola is preferred for its neutral taste, as olive oil may impart a strong flavor that competes with the garlic.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is peeling and boiling the potatoes until they are soft.
How do I start the blending process?
Begin by blending the quartered garlic, salt, and lemon juice with a thin layer of oil until finely pureed.
Is this a traditional Lebanese recipe?
It is a variation of traditional Lebanese Toum, specifically the version that incorporates potatoes for a different texture.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, you can scale the ingredients down proportionally if you want a smaller batch.
What is the ingredient count?
There are 5 total ingredients used to create this sauce.
Why is the chilling period important?
Chilling allows the sauce to reach its desired thick, spreadable consistency and helps the pungent garlic flavors balance out.