Middle Eastern Tahini Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is tahini sauce made of? ›

Tahini is made of three ingredients: hulled sesame seeds, oil and sometimes salt. Hulled sesame seeds are typically toasted then ground and emulsified with oil to create a smooth, creamy seed butter with a pourable consistency.

Although both of these delicious sauces start with a T, tzatziki is a refreshing cucumber and yogurt-based Greek dip while tahini is the Middle Eastern condiment that's a paste (similar to peanut butter) made from toasted and ground sesame seeds.

The difference between tahini and hummus couldn't be simpler — while tahini is an ingredient, hummus is a finished dish that incorporates tahini. Both are incredibly versatile and have transcended the world of Middle Eastern cuisine to become a food staple around the world.

The key to smooth and runny tahini is to give it time, so keep blending. Transfer to a container and enjoy!

At the heart of every tahini jar lies the sesame seed. The quality of these seeds significantly influences the price. High-quality, ethically sourced sesame seeds can be pricier, contributing to the overall cost of the final product.

Tahini paste is just ground sesame seeds. Period. In comparison, tahini sauce is made by thinning the paste to a consistency similar to a thick cream, typically by adding other ingredients. My family's recipe adds lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to our tahini sauce.

When it comes to calories, tahini tends to be more calorically dense due to its higher fat content. On the other hand, tzatziki, with its lower fat content and higher water content from the cucumber, can be a lighter option in terms of calories.

If you prefer a brighter sauce, add more lemon. If it is too bitter, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey.

Tahini, also known as sesame butter, is a condiment made from sesame seeds. It is similar to a nut butter in terms of texture and consistency, and the ingredients are usually pretty simple. Toasted or raw hulled sesame seeds are ground into a creamy mixture. In recipes for hummus and baba ghanoush, tahini is a staple.

As I said earlier, tahini has a mildly bitter flavour, so if your hummus is bitter, you've most likely added too much tahini. Also make sure that the tahini you do have is hulled, as opposed to unhulled. Hulled tahini just means that the bitter husks on the outside of the sesame seed have been removed before blending.

Is tahini good for your liver? ›

The nutrients in tahini promote better heart health, liver detoxification, proper cellular function, immune system strength, and skin and hair health. That's why hummus and tahini are so inseparable; you can't make a healthy dip without healthy ingredients!

The difference is that roasted eggplant forms the base for baba ganoush while chick peas are the backbone of hummus. The roasted eggplant lends this eggplant dip a slightly sweeter, smokier flavor, and a lower fat and calorie count than hummus. Plus it can be easier on the tummy than hard-to-digest chickpeas.

Trader Joe's Organic Tahini provides the perfect balance in this recipe, and allows it to transcend seasons-drizzle it atop roasted broccoli salad in the winter, or on grilled chicken & spinach salad during the warm summer months.

Do you need to refrigerate tahini? We recommend storing your tahini in a cool and dry area, away from heat and moisture. Ideally, a pantry a cabinet would be ideal. Like peanut butter, you can also store tahini in the refrigerator if you like it thicker.

As seen above, tahini is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Studies have shown that consuming these types of fats can lower harmful cholesterol levels as well as lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. The calcium and magnesium in tahini may also work to decrease blood pressure naturally.

Tahini has a very earthy flavor and is slightly bitter, but not overpowering. Although the spread resembles peanut butter and other nut butters, it does not have a similarly sweet flavor profile. The toasted sesame seed flavor shines through in this creamy, rich ingredient.

Tahini is lower in carbohydrates and sugars than peanut butter is making it a better choice for people who follow low-carb diets, Politi notes. Both foods are predominantly fat, though peanut butter has a little more protein, Young adds.