Forktionary

Tahini Paste

Sesamum indicum (for sesame seeds) Paste/Condiment

Tahini Paste Paste/Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Paste/Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The quality of tahini is paramount for hummus and other dips; look for brands with a pourable, silken texture and a clean, toasted sesame flavor."

Definition

A smooth, creamy paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds, foundational in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, known for its nutty, earthy taste.

Culinary Significance Core ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush.
Nutritional Value Rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
Origin Traces back to ancient Persia and China.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tahini Paste are:

Rich nutty earthy slightly bitter savory

Chef’s Secret

For a lighter, airier tahini sauce, vigorously whisk tahini with cold water and lemon juice; it will emulsify beautifully into a pale, creamy dressing.

Best Substitutes

Cashew Butter

milder
Ratio 1:1

Almond Butter

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Sunflower Seed Butter

good for nut allergies
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose brands with a light color and smooth consistency. Stir well if oil separation occurs.

Culinary Pairings

Lemon juice garlic chickpeas olive oil yogurt honey (for desserts) vegetables grilled meats

Recipes Using Tahini Paste

Basic Tahini Sauce image
Dips Low Sodium Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less

Basic Tahini Sauce

Discover the authentic taste of Jordan with this easy Tahini Sauce recipe! Inspired by a Jordanian family's secret, this creamy and flavorful sauce is the perfect topping for fried cauliflower, grilled meats, or falafel. Learn how to make this simple yet unforgettable sauce in just 10 minutes – a taste of the Middle East awaits!

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Baked Felafel Sandwich image
Preparation Chick Peas Garbanzos Easy Beans

Baked Felafel Sandwich

Craving a healthy and flavorful meal? This Baked Falafel Sandwich recipe, inspired by Food Network's Ellie Krieger, is a delicious and nutritious option! Perfectly baked falafel balls are nestled in warm pita bread with a refreshing salad and creamy tahini sauce. Get ready for a burst of Mediterranean flavors in under an hour!

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Beef Pad Thai With Peanut Sauce Asian Noodles image 140
Inexpensive Main Ingredient Occasion Asian

Beef Pad Thai With Peanut Sauce Asian Noodles

This Beef Pad Thai recipe is a flavor explosion! I've combined two recipes and perfected them to create a dish even the pickiest eaters will crave. Tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, creamy peanut sauce make this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!

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Baba Ghanoush image 113
Dinner Party Easy Dinner Party Occasion

Baba Ghanoush

Experience the smoky, creamy delight of authentic Baba Ghanoush! This vibrant Middle Eastern dip, made with roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon, is the perfect appetizer or snack. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe for a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends. Get your recipe from followthecook.blogspot.com

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Babganoush Hummus Pasta Vegan image
Preparation Time To Make Preparation European

Babganoush Hummus Pasta Vegan

Craving a quick, healthy, and unbelievably delicious vegan meal? This 30-minute Babganoush Hummus Pasta recipe, inspired by Rachel Ray, is a game-changer! Creamy eggplant and chickpea sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and topped with crunchy pine nuts and parsley. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Elevate it further with crumbled soy feta (optional) and serve alongside a refreshing Greek salad and warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying vegan feast.

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