Garlic Sauce, Toum, ثوم

Garlic Sauce (Toum)


  • ¾ cup cold water
  • 2 tbsp. corn starch
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice (adjust to taste)
  • 5 tbsp. cooking oil
  • ½ tsp. salt, or to taste


  1. Mix the corn starch and water in a pan and cook on medium heat until it thickens.  Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.

  2. In a food processor, combine the garlic, salt, lemon juice and the corn starch mixture and process.

  3. Slowly drizzle the oil (while processing) until you have a smooth paste.

  4. Can be used immediately or stored in the fridge.

  5. Serve with any grilled meat or chicken dish.   Also great with chiken shawerma.