Discover the unforgettable night my spouse and I spent at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Iowa City, where we enjoyed a mouthwatering meal featuring a quick Lebanese garlic sauce. Amidst a captivating street performance and a bustling atmosphere, I managed to secure the secret recipe for this heavenly sauce. Additionally, read on to learn about our extraordinary experience and discover how to recreate the delectable, quick Lebanese garlic sauce at home!
It was an ordinary evening in Iowa City, and my spouse and I decided to explore the local culinary scene. We had heard rave reviews about a Middle Eastern restaurant in the city’s heart, so we decided to try it. Little did we know that this seemingly ordinary night would turn into an unforgettable experience filled with scrumptious food, an energetic street performance, and a prized secret recipe.
As we entered the restaurant, the warm ambiance and the aroma of exotic spices instantly transported us to a different world. The friendly staff greeted us and quickly escorted us to our table. The menu was filled with various Middle Eastern dishes, but one item caught our attention – a dish served with a quick Lebanese garlic sauce made by a young Lebanese chef. Intrigued, we decided to order it. A few minutes later, our meal arrived, and the exquisite flavors and presentation blew us away. The dish was a harmonious blend of succulent grilled meat, fragrant rice, and fresh vegetables brought together by the pièce de résistance – the Lebanese garlic sauce. The sauce was truly a revelation. In other words, it was creamy, garlicky, and tangy, with just the right kick. We savored each bite, relishing the unique flavors that danced in our taste buds.
We suddenly noticed a commotion outside the restaurant as we enjoyed our meal. A street performer had begun an impromptu show, attracting many onlookers. His act was a mix of acrobatics, juggling, and comedy, drawing cheers and laughter from the audience.
Before leaving the restaurant, I mustered the courage to approach the owner and beg for the recipe. At first, they were hesitant. However, after much convincing and assurances that the recipe would be for personal use only, they finally relented and agreed to share it with me.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce, also known as Toum, is a creamy and flavorful condiment that pairs well with various dishes. The ingredients for this traditional Lebanese sauce include peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, kosher salt, and neutral oil such as canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil. When combined, Lebanese Garlic Sauce adds a delicious and aromatic kick to your favorite Middle Eastern dishes.
This sauce’s versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Here are some delectable options to serve alongside this flavorful sauce. For example:
Grilled Meats: Pair Lebanese garlic sauce with grilled meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. The creamy and garlicky flavors complement the smokiness of the grilled meat, creating a delightful combination.
Shawarma: Drizzle Lebanese garlic sauce over a warm and savory shawarma wrap or sandwich. Its tangy and creamy nature adds a burst of flavor to the succulent meat and vegetables.
Falafel: Serve Lebanese garlic sauce as a dip for crispy and golden falafel. The creamy texture of the sauce balances out the spices in the falafel, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Kebabs: Enjoy Lebanese garlic sauce with juicy and tender kebabs, whether they are made from ground meat or marinated chunks of meat. The sauce adds a refreshing element and enhances the overall taste.
Roasted Vegetables: Use Lebanese garlic sauce as a dressing for roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, eggplant, or bell peppers. Its tangy and garlicky notes elevate the flavors of the roasted vegetables.
Pita Bread: Spread Lebanese garlic sauce on warm and fluffy pita bread for a quick and satisfying snack. The sauce adds a burst of flavor and enhances the enjoyment of simple bread.
Mediterranean Salads: Incorporate Lebanese garlic sauce into Mediterranean salads like tabbouleh or fattoush. Its creamy texture and tangy taste bring a delightful twist to the fresh and vibrant salad ingredients.
Grilled Seafood: Serve Lebanese garlic sauce alongside grilled seafood, such as shrimp, fish, or scallops. The creamy and garlicky flavors complement the delicate flavors of the seafood.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Include Lebanese garlic sauce in sandwiches and wraps to add a burst of flavor. It works well with various fillings, from grilled vegetables to chicken or beef.
To sum up, that night at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Iowa City was truly an unforgettable experience. It served as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments can be found in the most unexpected places.
Here is how I created the quick Lebanese garlic sauce at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of peeled garlic cloves
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 1 tbsp of kosher salt
- 2 cups of neutral oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil)
How to create a quick Lebanese garlic sauce?
- Start by peeling the garlic cloves and placing them in a wide-mouth quart jar or a container of similar size. Add the salt and lemon juice to the jar.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the garlic mixture until it forms a paste.
- Position the immersion blender at the bottom of the jar and, without lifting it, pour all the oil directly over the garlic mixture.
- Begin blending to incorporate everything together. Raise the blender gradually as the emulsification process proceeds until the mixture transforms into a white and fluffy composition.
- Cover the jar with a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator, ideally overnight, for the best flavor.
Useful tips for creating a quick Lebanese garlic sauce :
Peeling tip: For easy peeling of the garlic cloves, place them on a cutting board, lay the blade of a large knife flat against each clove, and press down on the knife with the heel of your hand to smash the cloves. The skin will come off quickly and effortlessly.
Type of oil: For the best results, use a neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil, instead of olive oil. You can experiment with different oil combinations to find your preferred blend.
Equipment: This recipe requires an immersion blender. If you don’t have one, you can use a food processor. Process the garlic and salt, then slowly add the oil while whisking. Alternate with some lemon juice for a few minutes until an emulsified mixture is created.
Storage: Store the quick Lebanese garlic sauce in an airtight container (using the same jar you blended it in makes cleaning up easier) in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the garlic flavor will become milder over time.
Thank you for joining me on this unforgettable journey to a Middle Eastern restaurant in Iowa City, where my spouse and I discovered the captivating flavors of a quick Lebanese garlic sauce. Through the bustling atmosphere, the energetic street performance, and the thrilling pursuit of a secret recipe, we were reminded of the extraordinary moments that can be found in the most unexpected places. I hope this story has inspired you to explore new culinary delights and embrace life’s surprises. Until our next adventure, happy cooking!
