Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is my favorite ingredient in the kitchen. I love how its rich, nutty flavor adds depth to both savory and sweet dishes.
Contents
Sesame paste recipe
Sesame paste (or tahini) has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines for thousands of years. It’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
The sesame paste is incredibly versatile. I can use it as a spread on bread or crackers, as a sauce for various dishes, and as an ingredient in hummus, salad dressings, baba ganoush, and other Middle Eastern recipes.
The term “tahini” comes from the Arabic word “ṭaḥana,” meaning “to crush,” and is based on the modern Greek “takhini”. Here’s how to make the Tahini Sesame Paste:
Easy Tahini Sesame Paste
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Toast the Sesame Seeds
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sesame seeds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool slightly.
Blend the seeds
- Transfer the seeds to a food processor or high-powered blender. Process until the seeds form a crumbly paste.
Add olive oil
- With the food processor running, slowly add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Continue to blend until the tahini is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Tahini Substitutes
Tahini is not always available or suitable for everyone. Whether you’re dealing with sesame allergies or simply can’t find tahini at your local store, it’s useful to know about alternatives. Sesame paste can be substituted with various nut and seed butter, each offering its unique flavor profile and texture.
1. Nut-Based Alternatives
Nut butters often make excellent substitutes for sesame paste due to their similar consistency and richness. These options are particularly effective:
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Best Used In |
| Almond butter | Mild, slightly sweet | Baked goods, smoothies |
| Cashew butter | Creamy, neutral | Dips, sauces |
| Peanut butter | Strong, distinctive | Asian-inspired dishes |
When using nut butter as a substitute, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor of your dish more significantly than seed-based alternatives.
2. Seed-Based Alternatives
For those with nut allergies or those seeking a closer match to sesame paste’s flavor, seed-based alternatives can provide a more similar taste and texture:
- Sunflower seed butter: Offers a comparable nutty flavor and creamy texture
- Pumpkin seed butter: Provides a rich, earthy taste that works well in savory applications
- Hemp seed butter: Brings a nutritional profile similar to tahini with a slightly grassy flavor
3. Notes
When using a sesame paste substitute, it’s important to consider how it will affect your recipe.
- Adjust the liquid content: Some substitutes may be thicker or thinner than sesame paste, so be prepared to modify the amount of liquid in your recipe.
- Consider the flavor impact: If using a strongly flavored substitute like peanut butter, you might want to adjust other seasonings to maintain balance.
- Test for emulsification: Not all substitutes will emulsify as well as tahini. You may need to blend sauces or dressings more thoroughly.
- Watch for separation: Some substitutes may separate more easily than tahini. Be prepared to stir or re-blend as needed.
In dishes where sesame paste plays a central role, such as hummus or baba ghanoush, finding an exact substitute can be challenging. In these cases, I often prefer to reimagine the dish rather than try to replicate it exactly. For example, a white bean dip made with almond butter can be a delicious alternative to hummus that honors the spirit of the original without trying to be an exact copy.
Remember, cooking is about experimentation and adaptation. Don’t be afraid to try different substitutes and adjust your recipes accordingly. You might discover a new favorite dish in the process!