Lebanese Lubin Sauce Shortcut Food

LEBANESE GARLIC SAUCE (TOUM)

Steps:

• Slice the garlic cloves in half lengthwise and remove any green sprouts.
• Transfer the sliced garlic cloves into a food processor and add the kosher salt to the garlic cloves. Process for a minute until the garlic becomes finely minced. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor afterwards.
• While the food processor is running, slowly pour one to two tablespoons of oil, then stop and scrape down the bowl. Continue adding another tablespoon or two until the garlic starts looking creamy.
• Once the garlic looks emulsified by the few tablespoons of oil, increase the speed of pouring the oil and alternate with the 1/2 cup of lemon juice until all the oil and lemon juice is incorporated. This will take about 15 minutes to complete.
• Transfer the sauce into a glass container and cover with a paper towel in the fridge overnight. Makes about 4 cups.
• The next day, replace the paper towel with an airtight lid and keep in the fridge for up to 3 months.

LEBANESE GARLIC SAUCE (TOUM SAUCE)

Steps:

• Peel the garlic and, optionally, remove the 'germ' (green sprout) from each clove's center (which is bitter).I've used several garlic peeling hacks, but at the moment, I'm enjoying just smashing down on the clove with the flat side of a knife and my fist - it's easy and doesn't take much effort.
• Add the garlic and salt to the food processor (or a bowl if you're using an immersion blender). Process well until you obtain a smooth garlic puree/paste, stopping to scrape down the sides of the jug if necessary.
• Once you have a puree, it's time to start adding the oil. If you have a steady hand, you can drizzle it in from the measuring jug - otherwise, use a tablespoon measuring spoon.Slowly adding one spoonful at a time, allowing the machine to run throughout this time. Leave plenty of time between each spoonful for it to fully incorporate.
• After you've added the first few tablespoons of oil, then start to alternate, adding a little oil and then a little lemon juice (around 1 tsp at a time) - while the machine runs.If your food processor starts to get warm, then give it a rest and pause the process. The heat can otherwise cause the toum emulsification to break.Continue to alternate between adding oil and lemon juice slowly (this took me between 7-9 minutes) until the mixture emulsifies and thickens and you have a thick, creamy garlic sauce.
• I suggest allowing it to marinate and 'set' for at least 2-3 hours in the fridge before using it.
• When making it with a mortar and pestle, you have to crush the garlic down into a paste, add 1 tsp oil, and mix it until the garlic absorbs it completely. Continue to add oil one tablespoon at a time, mixing until it's absorbed entirely. After you've done this with several spoonfuls of oil, add a few drops of lemon juice in-between spoonfuls of oil.Continue to do this until you have a creamy, thick paste.

TRADITIONAL TOUM (LEBANESE GARLIC SAUCE) RECIPE

Steps:

• Mortar and Pestle Method: Depending on the size of your mortar, you may need to make the recipe in smaller batches, halving or quartering the ingredient amounts. In the mortar, combine garlic and salt and grind until it becomes a smooth paste. Work oil into paste 1 teaspoon at a time. After adding 1 tablespoon oil, work in a few drops of lemon juice. Repeat until all the oil, lemon juice, and water have been incorporated.

LEBANESE LUBIN SAUCE - SHORTCUT

Steps:

• Mix all together. Taste for seasonings. Chill before serving.

LEBANESE LABAN (YOGURT)

Steps:

• Place a couple of tablespoons of the milk in a small container and stir in the yogurt to make it more liquid.
• Bring milk to a boil. Place aside until lukewarm.
• Stir in yogurt (don't stir too much). Cover pot with lid. Wrap pot with a wool cover. Place in a warm place for 6 hours. Be careful not to move the pot during this time.
• Cool in refrigerator for at least 3 hours.