Toum, also known as toum bi tehina, is a delightful garlicky sauce originating from the Middle East. This vibrant condiment boasts a smooth texture and a powerful garlicky punch, making it a favorite addition to countless dishes. While traditional toum relies solely on tahini for its richness, this recipe incorporates yogurt, creating a lighter and slightly tangier version that’s perfect for those who find classic toum a bit too intense.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful sauce:
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, peeled
Instructions:
1. Prep the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves as finely as possible. A mortar and pestle work best for a truly smooth result, but a food processor or blender will also suffice.
2. Combine the Base: In a food processor or blender, add the tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, water, olive oil, salt, and pepper (if using).
3. Blend it Up: Begin blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high speed. Blend for a good 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Aim for a consistency similar to mayonnaise.
4. Taste and Adjust: Give your toum a taste! You can adjust the seasonings to your preference. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your toum to a serving bowl and enjoy! This vibrant sauce pairs perfectly with pita bread, falafel, grilled vegetables, or even as a dip for crudités.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 180
Conclusion:
Toum with yogurt adds a delightful layer of flavor and creaminess to your favorite dishes. This recipe offers a slightly lighter take on the classic version, making it perfect for those who enjoy a touch of tang alongside the garlicky goodness. So next time you’re looking for a flavorful and versatile condiment, give this toum recipe a try!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I substitute the yogurt?
Yes! While yogurt adds a touch of tang, you can certainly make toum without it. Simply replace the yogurt with an additional 1/4 cup of water or tahini.
2. How long does toum with yogurt last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, toum with yogurt will stay fresh for up to a week.
3. My toum isn’t getting smooth! What am I doing wrong?
There are a few reasons why your toum might not be getting smooth. First, ensure your garlic is finely minced. Second, make sure you’re blending for a long enough time – aim for at least 2-3 minutes on high speed. Finally, if it’s still too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Can I use roasted garlic in this recipe?
While roasted garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor, it can also make your toum a bit sweeter. If you prefer a more traditional garlicky flavor, stick with raw garlic.
5. What are some other ways to enjoy toum?
Toum is a versatile condiment! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a sandwich spread, or even add a dollop to soups or stews for an extra garlicky kick.
