Hello fellow foodies! Tired of buying store-bought tahini that can be expensive and sometimes lacking in flavor? Want to take your hummus game to the next level? If so, here’s the recipe for you!
Making your own tahini at home is easier than you think, and the result is a delicious, healthy, and flavorful condiment that will elevate your dishes to new heights.
Close your eyes and imagine the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds wafting through your kitchen, the satisfying whir of your food processor, and the incomparable taste of fresh, creamy tahini added to your favorite dishes. Our homemade, authentic tahini recipe awakens all your senses!
When you make your own, you get a creamy, rich, and nutritious sauce that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or using as a dressing. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself, without any preservatives or additives. Plus, it’s a great way to control the consistency and flavor to your liking.
You’ll get a smooth, velvety, and richly flavored homemade Tahini that’s patently better than store-bought!
(If it’s a recipe for Tahini juice, or extract, you’re looking for, please click here.)
Tahini Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dry measuring cup
- Sauté pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups hulled sesame seeds
- 3-4 tablespoons neutral oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds: Place the sesame seeds in a dry sauté pan over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly golden.
- Blend the sesame seeds: Remove the toasted sesame seeds from the pan and transfer them to a food processor.Add the neutral oil and salt. Blend for 5-7 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy paste.
Alternative toasting:
The sauté pan makes it easier to check on the toasting. However, if you prefer, you can toast the sesame seeds in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread sesame seeds on a baking sheet in a thin layer.
- Toast sesame seeds in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through.Take care to not let them brown too much or become burnt as that will induce a bitter taste.
- Once cooled, pop the sesame seeds in your food processor.
Notes
This recipe is a breeze to follow, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time. All you need is a food processor, sesame seeds, neutral oil, and a pinch of salt.
Toast the sesame seeds until they’re fragrant and slightly golden, then blend them with the oil and salt until they form a smooth, creamy paste. That’s it!
Recommended Pairing Drink:
A glass of Rose Wine or Sparkling Lemonade pairs best with tahini-infused dishes.
The subtle, crisp flavor balances the tahini’s richness, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Useful Tips:
Savory Uses of Tahini:
Hummus: Tahini is the key ingredient in hummus, a creamy chickpea dip that’s popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. It provides the dip with its signature rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Baba ghanoush: This roasted eggplant dip is another popular savory dish that features tahini. It balances the bitterness of the eggplant and adds a touch of sweetness.
Tarator: This refreshing lemon-tahini sauce is a versatile condiment that can be served with grilled fish, vegetables, or falafel. It’s a tangy and savory accompaniment that adds a nutty depth of flavor.
Salad dressings: It can be used to make a variety of dressings, both savory and sweet. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to salads, and it pairs well with herbs, spices, and citrus juices.
Sweet Uses of Tahini:
Halva: This sweet sesame confection is a popular treat in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s made by combining tahini, sugar, and nuts, and it has a crumbly, fudge-like texture.
Tahini and molasses: This simple combination is a popular breakfast or snack in some regions. The molasses adds a sweetness and depth of flavor, while the tahini provides a nutty richness.
Tahini-based desserts: Tahini can be used in a variety of desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. It adds a unique nutty flavor and richness to these treats.
Other Uses of Tahini:
Smoothies and shakes: It can be added to smoothies and shakes to provide a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats and nutrients.
Spreads and dips: It can be used to make spreads and dips for breads, crackers, or vegetables. It can be flavored with herbs, spices, and sweeteners to suit different preferences.
Sauces and marinades: It can be used to make sauces and marinades for grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. It adds a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture.
Tahini Nutritional Profile:
Tahini is a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. It’s also a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. It’s a healthy and delicious addition to any diet.
FAQs:
Can I make Tahini without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a blender or even a coffee grinder.
Can I use unhulled sesame seeds?
Yes, although not recommended, you can use unhulled sesame seeds, but the tahini will be a bit grainy. To make it smoother, you may need to blend it for a longer period of time.
What can I substitute for neutral oil?
You can substitute other neutral oils, such as grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil. Some people like using olive oil, but bear in mind that it will impart a strong flavor to the tahini — which, again, some prefer.
Can I substitute water for oil in tahini?
No, you cannot substitute water for oil in tahini. Oil is essential for creating the smooth, creamy texture of tahini. Without oil, the tahini will be too dry and grainy. This can make it difficult to spread and use in dishes.
Can Tahini be used in desserts?
Absolutely (see above sweet uses). For example, it gives a nice nutty flavor to cookies and cakes.
What is Tahini?
Tahini, also known as tahina, is a popular condiment and ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, made from ground sesame seeds. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor similar to peanut butter, but with its own unique taste.
It’s also a nutritious ingredient, high in protein, healthy fats and fiber. It is a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium, and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
It’s made by toasting sesame seeds and grinding them into a smooth paste, often with a small amount of oil added to achieve the desired consistency.
It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Here are some common uses for it:
Dips and Sauces: It’sis a key ingredient in many dips and sauces, including hummus, baba ganoush, and tahini sauce. It can also be used as a base for salad dressings or as a topping for roasted vegetables.
Baking: It can be used in baking as a substitute for butter or oil. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to baked goods, and can be used in recipes such as tahini cookies, brownies, or banana bread.
Soups and Stews: It can be added to soups and stews to thicken and enrich the flavor. It is often used in Middle Eastern soups such as lentil soup or chickpea stew.
Roasted Vegetables: It can be used as a topping for roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. Simply drizzle tahini over the vegetables before roasting, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Smoothies: It can be added to smoothies for a boost of protein and healthy fats. It pairs well with fruits such as banana, apple, or pear, and can be combined with other ingredients such as almond milk, spinach, or chia seeds.
Dressings: Tahini can be used as a base for salad dressings, mixed with ingredients such as lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It adds a rich, creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the dressing.
Spreads: It can be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, or as a dip for crackers or vegetables. It can be mixed with ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, or chopped nuts for added flavor.
So folks, why wait? Jump into your kitchen, turn on your oven, and get your food processor buzzing. The joy of making your own homemade tahini is unmatched, and the rich, velvety result is straight-up irresistible!
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