Tahini is a smooth and creamy condiment, boasting rich, nutty, and earthy flavors. Traditionally made with sesame seeds, neutral oil, and salt, it serves as a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
This savory ingredient forms the base for various dishes, including tahini sauce, tahini dressing, hummus, and baba ganoush. It can be enjoyed with falafel, pita bread, roasted or baked vegetables, salads, and grain bowls.
The provided recipe includes clear step-by-step instructions and a detailed video demonstration, guiding you through the tahini-making process.
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What is Tahini?
Tahini is a smooth and creamy paste with a rich, nutty taste with a subtle bitterness. This savory condiment is made with just three simple ingredients - hulled sesame seeds, neutral oil, and a pinch of salt, adding pleasing touch to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It serves as a versatile base for various dips, dressings, and sauces. It is a classic accompaniment to falafel, or drizzle it over roasted or baked vegetables, or use it as a key ingredient in creamy hummus.
Making Tahini at home is a breeze, offering a superior taste compared to store-bought options. By controlling the quality and freshness of the ingredients, homemade Tahini ensures an authentic and robust flavor.
With just a few minutes and a high-powered blender or food processor, you can create a velvety-smooth Tahini that surpasses commercial varieties. Beyond its standalone use, Tahini adds depth and creaminess to recipes like salad dressings, marinades, and even baked goods.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need to make Tahini are basic and can be easily found in most grocery stores. Let's take a look at what they are:
- Sesame Seeds: The main element in Tahini, sesame seeds have a rich, nutty flavor that forms the base of the dip
- Neutral Oil: Often light sesame oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil is used in Tahini recipes. The neutral oil acts as a carrier for the sesame seeds, providing a smooth and creamy texture without overpowering the natural flavors. It helps to bind the ingredients together while adding a subtle richness
- Salt: Salt improves the flavors of the dip, balancing the nuttiness of the sesame seeds and adding a savory element
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Tahini at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Tahini, a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds, known for its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. It serves as a versatile ingredient in various dishes, from traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes to modern dips and dressings, adding a delightful depth of taste.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Toast Sesame: Start by heating sesame seeds in a medium heat pan until they become aromatic, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor and aroma, crucial for a delicious Tahini
- Cool Down: Once toasted, transfer the sesame seeds to a plate and spread them out evenly. Allow them to cool down completely to room temperature
- Blend: Once the sesame seeds have cooled, add them to a high-powered blender. Close the lid of the blender and remove the lid cap. Blend the seeds using a tamper, pushing them towards the vortex area created by the blender's blades. Continue blending until the seeds turn crumbly in texture
- Add oil: Open the lid of the blender and scrape down the sides, ensuring all the seeds are incorporated. Then, slowly pour in the oil of your choice. Close the lid again and process for a few more minutes until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. It's important to scrape the sides of the blender during this process if necessary to ensure a uniformly blended Tahini
- Season and Use: Finally, season the Tahini with salt to taste and process for a few more seconds to evenly distribute the flavor. Your homemade Tahini is now ready to use in various dishes or stored for later use
Tips
- Sesame seeds: Use good-quality, fresh hulled sesame seeds for the best results. Look for seeds that are evenly colored, without any signs of moisture or discoloration. Usually, hulled sesame delivers slightly milder and smoother tahini compared to using unhulled sesame seeds
- Toasting: Toast the sesame seeds over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Toast them until they turn aromatic and slightly golden. Be careful not to over-toast them, as it can lead to a bitter taste in the Tahini
- Cooling: Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool completely before blending. This step helps to prevent the mixture from becoming overly hot and ensures a smoother texture
- Blender: Use a high-powered blender to achieve a creamy and smooth tahini. The blender should be able to handle grinding the sesame seeds to a fine consistency. If you have a tamper, use it to push the seeds toward the blades for better blending. However, for smaller quantities of sesame seeds, it is advisable to use a food processor
- Oil: Choose a neutral-flavored oil, such as light olive oil or vegetable oil, to blend with the sesame seeds. The oil helps to achieve a smooth texture and adds richness to the dip. Add the oil gradually while blending to control the consistency
- Scraping: Pause the blending process occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender. This ensures that all the seeds are properly incorporated and helps achieve a homogeneous texture
- Seasoning: Add salt to taste at the end of the blending process. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed. Salt enhances the flavor of the Tahini and balances its natural nuttiness
- Storage: Store the homemade tahini in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a month. If you notice any split of oil, give it a good stir before using
Storage Suggestions
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of homemade Tahini. Once prepared, transfer it to a sealed, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps to preserve its flavor and texture.
When stored correctly, Tahini can stay fresh for up to a month. Over time, you may notice some separation of oil, with a layer of oil on top. Before using the Tahini, give it a good stir to reincorporate the oil and ensure a consistent texture throughout.
Serving Suggestions
Tahini is a versatile ingredient that you can use it in various ways. Here are some suggestions for what you can use and serve with it:
- Tahini sauce: Tahini, combined with garlic, lemon juice, and cumin powder, creates a flavorful Tahini sauce perfect for dipping falafel. This versatile Mediterranean condiment also complements dishes like shawarma and pita bread
- Hummus: Tahini is a key ingredient, so it's already incorporated. Serve hummus with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: Make it into tahini sauce and drizzle over grilled, roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for a creamy and flavorful addition
- Grain bowls and salads: Turn it into dressing for grain bowls, such as quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice. It adds richness and nuttiness to various salads
- Roasted Chicken or Fish: Brush roasted chicken or fish with a mixture of tahini, lemon juice, and spices for a delicious coating or sauce
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread Tahini on bread or wraps as a flavorful alternative to mayonnaise or mustard. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or falafel
- Sweet Treats: You can also use Tahini in desserts. Make cookies, brownies, or even ice cream for a unique twist
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at dips & condiment recipes:
Tahini Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Tahini recipe below that I hope will help you make an authentic condiment for your recipes. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Tahini
Ingredients
- 2 cup White Sesame Seeds, hulled
- 3 tbsp Oil, light olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
To make Tahini
- Toast sesame seeds in a medium heat pan until aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent burning
- Transfer toasted seeds to a plate and spread evenly, allowing them to cool to room temperature
- Once cooled, add sesame seeds to a high-powered blender, ensuring the lid is secure but lid cap open
- Blend the seeds using a tamper, pushing them towards the vortex area, until they turn crumbly
- Open the lid, scrape the sides, and pour in the oil. Close the lid and process for a few more minutes until a smooth consistency is achieved, scraping the sides as needed. Season with salt and process briefly to distribute the flavor. Your tahini is now ready to be used or stored for later use
To Use
- Use this Tahini as a base for tahini sauce, tahini dressing, hummus, Baba Ganoush, or other tahini-inspired dishes. You can store this Tahini in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month
Video
Notes
- Sesame seeds: Use good-quality, fresh hulled sesame seeds for the best results. Look for seeds that are evenly colored, without any signs of moisture or discoloration. Usually, hulled sesame delivers slightly milder and smoother tahini compared to using unhulled sesame seeds
- Toasting: Toast the sesame seeds over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Toast them until they turn aromatic and slightly golden. Be careful not to over-toast them, as it can lead to a bitter taste in the Tahini
- Cooling: Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool completely before blending. This step helps to prevent the mixture from becoming overly hot and ensures a smoother texture
- Blender: Use a high-powered blender to achieve a creamy and smooth tahini. The blender should be able to handle grinding the sesame seeds to a fine consistency. If you have a tamper, use it to push the seeds toward the blades for better blending. However, for smaller quantities of sesame seeds, it is advisable to use a food processor
- Oil: Choose a neutral-flavored oil, such as light olive oil or vegetable oil, to blend with the sesame seeds. The oil helps to achieve a smooth texture and adds richness to the dip. Add the oil gradually while blending to control the consistency
- Scraping: Pause the blending process occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender. This ensures that all the seeds are properly incorporated and helps achieve a homogeneous texture
- Seasoning: Add salt to taste at the end of the blending process. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed. Salt enhances the flavor of the Tahini and balances its natural nuttiness
- Storage: Store the homemade tahini in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a month. If you notice any split of oil, give it a good stir before using
Nutrition
FAQ
If your Tahini is not blending properly in the blender, there are a few potential causes to address. First, ensure that you have enough quantity to effectively engage the blender blades. Secondly, make sure that the sesame seeds are adequately toasted and cooled, as dry seeds may impede proper blending. Lastly, check if there is enough liquid in the mixture, as Tahini requires some oil to facilitate smooth blending. Also, I would suggest using a high-power blender for optimal results.
Yes, you can definitely make tahini in a food processor. In fact, a food processor is a commonly used tool for making tahini at home. It allows you to easily grind and blend the ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Simply follow the same steps as you would with a blender, such as toasting and cooling the sesame seeds, adding the necessary oil, and processing until you reach the desired texture.
Yes, you can make tahini using unhulled sesame seeds. Unhulled sesame seeds have the outer husk intact, which gives them a darker color and a slightly stronger flavor compared to hulled sesame seeds. However, it's important to note that tahini made with unhulled sesame seeds can have a more coarse texture and a slightly bitter taste.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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