Toum

By
Saad Fayed
Saad Fayed
A restaurateur and food writer, Saad Fayed has published hundreds of recipes and articles about Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Updated on 06/25/21
Toum
Will Heap (c) Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
133 Calories
14g Fat
4g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 133
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 17%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 80mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 17mg 84%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 54mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you accept that simple is sometimes best and clean, uncomplicated flavors can be awesome, then toum is the dish for you. Think of it as a Middle Eastern mayonnaise but without the eggs. Traditionally a Lebanese dish, it's packed with flavor and goes perfectly with everything from meat to falafel to bread. It contains only a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in every kitchen and it's quick and easy to make.

For a truly authentic preparation of Toum, a mortar and pestle is used. If a mortar and pestle are unavailable, ingredients can be blended using a food processor. When it comes together, it should be thick and creamy and is most often used as a dip for French fries, chicken and sandwich spreads.

Although the classic ingredients are garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, there is a popular variation that includes the addition of mint. Traditionally, toum would be made with a mortar and pestle but I find that a food processor or powerful blender creates a thicker, creamier consistency. Be warned, though, that this is a strongly flavored dip. Raw garlic has many purported health benefits and will probably also ward off vampires if that's of any concern. But you may also ward off any potential kisses after you've enjoyed this dip. My best advice would be to make sure both you and your date are eating it.

Next time you are looking for a unique dip that can be served with a variety of foods, Toum is the best dip to try. Try it with some favorite recipes of ours. They're often served with a tahini sauce but using the toum instead will make a nice and flavorful change:

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed

  • 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Start by crushing garlic cloves until they reach a smooth consistency.

  3. Add salt and mix further.

  4. Once garlic and salt are of a desired, smooth consistency, gradually add in oil.

  5. Add lemon juice and mix. The finished product should be smooth, paste-like, and creamy.