Easy Tahini Recipe

Tahini is a rich, nutty paste made from ground sesame seeds, commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly easy to make at home. While store-bought versions can be pricey, homemade tahini is budget-friendly and just as delicious—if not better!

What You’ll Need:

• Sesame Seeds: Hulled sesame seeds are ideal for making smooth tahini. Toasting them lightly brings out their natural flavor and enhances the richness.
• Oil: A few tablespoons of a neutral oil help achieve that creamy, pourable consistency. Options like avocado, extra-virgin olive, or vegetable oil work well, or you can use sesame oil for a deeper flavor (just avoid toasted sesame oil).
• Salt: This is optional but highly recommended. A pinch of salt brings out the best flavor in the tahini.

How to Make Tahini:

1. Toast the Sesame Seeds: Begin by toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. This step enhances the nuttiness of the tahini.
2. Blend the Sesame Seeds: Add the toasted seeds to a food processor. The mixture will first break down into a crumbly texture, but keep processing—it will eventually transform into a smooth paste.
3. Add Oil: To make the tahini creamy and easier to blend, add 3-4 tablespoons of mild oil. This will give it a silky, drippy texture similar to store-bought varieties.
4. Season: If desired, add a pinch of salt and continue blending until everything is well combined.

Once done, your tahini will be smooth, creamy, and ready to use in your favorite recipes. It stores well in the fridge for over a month, so you’ll always have it on hand for a variety of dishes!

How to Use Tahini:

Tahini is famous for its role in hummus, but it’s also a versatile ingredient. Use it to make dips like baba ganoush or pair it with falafel. It’s the perfect base for dressings and sauces—try it in a lemony tahini dressing, drizzle it over roasted veggies, or use it as a dip for salads. Tahini even shines in desserts—try swapping it for butter or peanut butter in cookies, or drizzle it over ice cream for a unique twist! Once you start using tahini, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate it into your meals.