Tahini, a delicious Middle Eastern condiment made from sesame seeds, is incredibly versatile. This simple paste, the foundation for tahini sauce, hummus, and many other dishes, boasts a nutty flavor. It's also naturally vegan and gluten-free. The best part? You can whip up homemade tahini in just 15 minutes!
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We're all inspired by food channels these days, eager to recreate dishes from around the globe after seeing them on TV or YouTube. But sometimes, we encounter a specific spice, dip, or ingredient that's not readily available where we live. A friend recently shared her struggle to find garlic powder in Kolkata's regular grocery stores, finally locating it in a large mall. While she eventually found it, accessing such ingredients can be a real challenge, especially in smaller towns where they're not commonly stocked.
Moving might change things, but I'm not sharing a garlic powder recipe right now. Today, it's all about tahini!
Frequently Asked Questions
Just as Indian food relies on Garam Masala, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine wouldn't be the same without tahini. This simple paste, made from sesame seeds and olive oil, is a key ingredient in many popular dishes. While you can find tahini in most supermarkets or specialty stores, it's often quite expensive. The good news is, it's incredibly easy to make at home with just a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients to make basic Tahini
You only need two simple ingredients to make Tahini!
Sesame Seed - First, you'll need hulled sesame seeds. Roasting them beforehand is optional, but I think it adds a richer flavor.
Olive Oil - Second, use a good quality olive oil for the best-tasting tahini.
Variation and Tips - Tahini Sauce
I like to make a big batch of the basic paste and store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Then, I can add spices like lemon and garlic whenever I want to whip up a quick dip.
This recipe has two parts: first, making the basic tahini paste, and then using it to create a delicious tahini dip. The paste is essential for making iconic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush, as well as the dip. Personally, I love the dip with everything!
I really enjoy having nachos. Actually, I also like using tahini as a salad dressing.
Recipe Card
Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
Tahini Paste
- 1 cup Sesame Seed
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
Tahini Sauce / Dip
- 1 cup Tahini Paste
- 4 clove Garlic
- 1 Lemon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Tahini Paste:
- Take Sesame seeds in a dry frying pan and dry roast them in a medium flame for around 2-3 minutes or till they turn golden in color and fragrant.
- Stir continuously with a Wooden Spatula. Don't let the seed turn brown.
- Transfer the Seed in a separate Bowl and let them cool completely.
- Now take Sesame Seed in a Grinder and grind them completely to make a smooth powder.
- I have used the dry Jar of my Food Processor for doing the same. If you are not available with a grinder then use a Mortar Pestle of Shilnora (Shilbatta) to make the Powder.
- I prefer to use the Powder a bit smooth while some people prefer coarse Powder, so the choice is yours. However, the end result should be a crumbly paste.
- Now start adding Olive Oil to the Paste.
- Initially, add 1 Tbsp. Oil and start mixing in the same grinder and add rest of the oil and complete making the paste.
- I have added ¼ Cup of Oil in 1 cup Sesame Seed.
- If you wish to have your paste a bit liquid, then just adds more oil and vice versa.
- Basic Tahini Paste is ready.
- It can be stored for 3 months, and you can use it while making Middle eastern Dishes.
- What if you don't want to make a Middle Eastern Dish but you need a dip for your Nachos or a Salad dressing instead of Mayonnaise. One of the common answers is Tahini Dip or Tahini Sauce which can be prepared with Tahini Paste.
Tahini Dip or Tahini Sauce:
- Take Tahini Paste in a mixer and add ¼ Tsp. Salt, 4 cloves of Garlic and squeeze the juice of a Lemon and mix it for 1-2 minutes and the dip is ready!
- I prefer to add little extra Garlic so the quantity can be reduced based on the taste
- The same is applicable for Lemon Juice.
- Tahini Dip is ready for using in Salad or I use it as a spread of Bread and sometimes have it with Cucumber.
Notes
Nutrition
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Have you tried the Perfect Tahini Sauce recipe from debjanir rannaghar!
Please inform me of your experience and feel free to send a photo to dolonchttrj@gmail.com. Additionally, you can find me on various social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Google News, X, and Thread. Don't forget to use the hashtag #debjanirrannaghar when sharing your attempts at my recipes or if you have any questions or recipe requests.
Here's the Tahini Recipe Pin for your Pinterest board
About Debjani Chatterjee Alam
I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.
pragati says
Very helpful post...i always make tahini at home first before making my hummus...it is so much easier and more healthy too..
debjanichttrj says
Thanks Pragati...I also do the same...Coz making Tahini and even Hummus is really easy aboth the dip are much healthier than other spreads...