Creamy, nutty, and pleasantly bitter, tahini is a multipurpose ingredient used in cuisines all over the world. In dishes sweet or savory, tahini is a welcome addition to any meal. 

What is Tahini?

Tahini is made by crushing hulled sesame seeds into a thick paste. The sesame seeds can be toasted or untoasted before crushing, giving the finished tahini a roasty, nutty flavor or a clean, somewhat earthy flavor. 

How is Tahini Used?

Tahini can be used in a variety of dishes and is common in Middle Eastern, African, and Japanese cuisines. Tahini is a very popular ingredient in dips such as hummus or in sauces where it is thinned with water and flavored with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Tahini sauce may be drizzled over falafel, shawarma, salads, or grilled vegetables. Tahini can also be used in desserts and candies. Deliciously crumbly and sweet halvah is made by mixing tahini with hot sugar syrup. The resulting confection is flakey, layered, and not unlike a soft Butterfinger. 

What are the Best Uses for Tahini?

Tahini can be used in so many different ways. Here are some of our favorite applications for this nutty condiment. 

– Try our recipe for Spicy Tahini Tofu with noodles and fresh vegetables for an easy and delicious dinner. 

– Tahini works wonders for mild proteins such as halibut or chicken. Try our recipe for Miso Tahini Halibut with Zucchini Salad or our Miso Tahini Chicken Grain Bowl recipe. 

– Looking for something a little sweeter? How about our recipe for Chocolate Tahini Brownies. The subtle bitterness of the tahini is the perfect counterpoint to rich, fudgy chocolate. 

Feature Image: danad94d from Pixabay

CategoriesCooking Guides
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