Meet Toum: The Garlic Lover’s Dream Sauce
Toum, or garlic whip as we sometimes call it at NAYA, is a creamy garlic sauce that’s a crowd favorite in Middle Eastern cuisine and a must try for NAYA regulars. Unlike many other condiments, toum isn’t just a side note; it’s a star component of many dishes. Known for its intense garlic punch, this sauce is traditionally served alongside grilled meats, shawarma and kebabs, adding a rich, tangy and slightly spicy kick that elevates even the simplest of meals.
What is Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)?
Toum is a simple yet powerful Lebanese garlic sauce made primarily from garlic, oil, fresh lemon juice and kosher salt. Its name, derived from the Arabic word for garlic, reflects its bold, unapologetically garlicky flavor. Fresh garlic cloves are key to achieving that distinct taste, while a food processor ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Unlike other garlic sauces, toum is completely dairy-free, relying on the natural emulsification of garlic and oil for its signature creaminess. The result is a robust, garlicky spread that’s both intense and versatile. Its sharpness is balanced by the tangy lemon juice, making this garlic sauce a bold accompaniment that enhances a variety of dishes.
The Tale of Toum: A Flavorful Journey
Toum has been a staple in Lebanese cuisine for centuries, with roots in the Levant region. Traditionally, this garlic sauce was made by hand to enhance simple ingredients like garlic, oil and lemon juice. Today, it remains a beloved condiment in Lebanese households, often served alongside grilled meats and vegetables. Modern recipes may use avocado oil or a mix of vegetable oils like grapeseed oil and canola oil, making the sauce both traditional and adaptable.
The Power of Garlic: Health Perks of Toum
Sure, toum tastes amazing but it’s also packed with health benefits, thanks to its star ingredient—garlic. Fresh garlic boosts immunity, supports heart health and provides antioxidants. Adding toum to your meals, whether it’s a wrap, bowl or salad, not only enhances flavor but also brings those health benefits to your plate.
Let’s dive into some of garlic’s potential health benefits:
Immunity Boosting:
Garlic, the main ingredient in toum, helps protect against colds and infections.
Supporting Heart Health:
Garlic may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant Rich:
Garlic's antioxidants combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Reduces Inflammation:
Garlic's anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
By incorporating toum into your diet, you’re not only embracing a rich culinary tradition but also adding a burst of flavor and wellness to your everyday meals.
Enhance Every Bite with Toum
Toum is incredibly versatile, enhancing a wide range of dishes. This garlic sauce pairs well with grilled meats, vegetables and even salads. Here’s how to make the most of this creamy, garlic-infused delight:
Pair with Grilled Meats:
Toum’s bold garlic flavor perfectly complements the smoky richness of grilled meats like chicken, beef, and lamb. Its zesty kick balances the charred exterior with a tangy, slightly spicy edge. For a robust combination, try it with lamb or NAYA’s grilled chicken shawarma, where toum’s sharpness enhances the meat’s richness.
Spread on Sandwiches:
Give your sandwiches, shawarma or falafel a rich, garlicky upgrade. Toum’s creamy consistency pairs perfectly with the soft texture of pita or flatbreads. Its intense flavor brightens up meats, roasted veggies and fresh herbs. For a perfect match, pair toum with grilled chicken or lamb shawarma, where its garlicky profile cuts through the richness of the meat.
At NAYA, toum transforms wraps into flavor-packed delights, pairing perfectly with meats, veggies and fresh herbs for a deliciously bold bite.
Dip with Vegetables or Bread:
Toum makes an excellent dip, offering a creamy contrast to the crispness of roasted veggies or the softness of fresh bread. Its strong garlic flavor pairs beautifully with robust vegetables like roasted carrots, eggplant or zucchini. The creamy texture also complements hearty bread, making it ideal for dipping into warm, crusty slices.
Enjoy it as part of NAYA’s mezze options, where it turns any dipping experience into a gourmet treat.
Mix into Salads or Bowls:
A spoonful of toum can elevate salads and grain bowls, adding a burst of garlicky goodness that ties together all the ingredients. Its tangy, sharp notes blend well with fresh vegetables and grains, particularly when mixed with roasted or grilled veggies like bell peppers or sweet potatoes. Toum can also balance the sweetness of roasted beets or the earthiness of quinoa, making every bite more satisfying.
NAYA’s bowls and salads are the perfect canvas for toum’s sharp, tangy notes.
Kiss Garlic Breath Goodbye
Let’s be real—garlic breath is a small price to pay for the deliciousness of toum. But if you need to freshen up, here are some effective tricks:
Here’s how to keep your breath fresh while still getting your toum fix:
Quick Fixes for Garlic Breath:
Munch on Parsley: Parsley’s chlorophyll helps neutralize garlic odors.
Sip Some Lemon Water: The acidity in lemon juice cuts through garlic oils, refreshing your breath.
Chew on Mint Leaves: Mint's strong flavor masks garlic, giving your breath a boost.
Snack on Apples or Lettuce: These foods contain natural compounds that can help break down garlic sulfur compounds.
Drink Milk: The fat content in milk can help neutralize garlic's sulfur compounds.
Toum: The Bold Creamy Garlic Sauce Sensation
Toum is a flavorful powerhouse and a health-boosting staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its versatility makes it an essential addition to a wide variety of dishes, from grilled meats to salads. Toum offers a delicious solution to your garlicky cravings .
Visit NAYA to experience toum firsthand and explore a menu full of bold, flavorful options that showcase the best of what toum can do.