Homemade Tahini: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Sesame Seed Paste
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it also has a unique nutty flavor that adds richness to many dishes. While there are store-bought options available, making your own homemade tahini is quick and easy, and it tastes even better than the ones you can find at the store.
To make tahini at home, you only need three simple ingredients: sesame seeds, oil, and salt (optional). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own creamy tahini:
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Place sesame seeds in a wide, dry saucepan and toast them over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and cook until the seeds become fragrant and lightly colored, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Process the Seeds: Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a food processor and process until a crumbly paste forms, which usually takes around 1 minute.
- Add Oil: Add 3 tablespoons of neutral-flavored oil (such as grape seed, vegetable, or light olive oil) to the food processor. Process for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stopping to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Check the consistency of the tahini—it should be smooth and pourable. If needed, process for another minute or add an additional tablespoon of oil.
- Season with Salt: Taste the tahini and add salt if desired. Process for a few more seconds to mix it in.
Once you have made your homemade tahini, store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. If the tahini separates over time, simply give it a good stir before using it.
Tahini is most commonly used in hummus, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes. You can make baba ganoush, a roasted eggplant dip, or use it as a base for salad dressings and sauces. Tahini can even be incorporated into desserts, such as chocolate chunk cookies. The possibilities are endless!
So why spend money on store-bought tahini when you can easily make a delicious, homemade version? Give it a try and elevate your dishes with the rich and creamy flavor of tahini.
