Our quick and easy homemade tahini recipe uses only two ingredients, sesame seeds and oil. Perfect for hummus, dips, and spreads.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. We like to thin it out a bit so it’s pourable with a bit of oil. This paste is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
The flavor is rich, nutty and creamy. Tahini is almost always in hummus, baba ganoush, and of course tahini sauce. It can be enjoyed in a salad dressing, sauces, marinades, or even spread on toast. We love drizzling over falafel as well!
Tahini has nutritional benefits as well, it contain protein, vitamins B1 and B6, essential for energy and brain function. It also provides phosphorus for bone health and manganese. Additionally, tahini offers antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (source)
Tahini ingredients:
- Sesame Seeds (Hulled): fresh high-quality sesame seeds are best!
- Oil: You can use either avocado oil for its neutral taste or olive oil for a slightly richer flavor.
How to make tahini
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Begin by toasting the sesame seeds. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Toast them for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to brown and become aromatic.
Do not let them brown too much, as this can lead to a bitter-tasting tahini.
Blend the Seeds: Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a blender or food processor. Blend them into a thick paste.
As you blend, gradually add the oil until you reach your desired consistency.
This might require scraping down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure an even texture.
Store: Once fully blended and smooth, transfer your tahini to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Recipe Tips and Alterations:
- Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor, but do not over brown them as it can result in a bitter tasting tahini.
- For a smooth tahini, it’s essential to blend thoroughly until the seeds form a completely smooth paste
- Thinner tahini is often preferred for dressings and sauces, while thicker tahini is better for dips and spreads.
Can I make this tahini sauce recipe without a food processor?
Yes, you can make tahini sauce without a food processor. We have also used our Vitamix with the tamper tool
How long can I store homemade tahini sauce in the refrigerator?
Homemade tahini sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Is there a substitute for lemon juice in tahini sauce?
Yes, if you don’t have lemon juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lime juice or vinegar for a similar tart flavor.
More Middle Eastern Recipes
Homemade Tahini
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Print Pin SaveIngredients
- 2 cups sesame seeds hulled
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Over medium heat, toast sesame seeds for about 4 minutes until they start to brown and become aromatic.
- Move seeds to a blender, blend into a paste, then gradually add oil to reach desired consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
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Notes
- Add more oil in small increments if you prefer a smoother, thinner tahini.
- Sesame seeds can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt; pay close attention when toasting. If the sesame seeds brown too much, the tahini may become bitter. Aim for a light golden color for a balanced flavor.
Nutrition
The nutritional information is automatically calculated and can vary based ingredients and products used. If the nutrition numbers are important for you we recommend calculating them yourself.
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