Tahini is Key
Tahini is a middle-eastern staple that adds flavor to so many kinds of dishes and recipes that it’s a no-brainer when it comes to keeping some on hand. It’s useful in so many types of recipes because it adds a complex, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
You can use it in recipes like hummus and baba ganoush, drizzle it on as a salad dressing, or even use it in making sweet foods, like cookies (really!).
The best part? It’s literally one of the EASIEST recipes there is! Seriously – it uses just three ingredients in a food processor, and one of those ingredients is optional!
What You’ll Need
1 cup (140 grams) sesame seeds (natural or toasted*)
4 tablespoons (50ml) oil**
Pinch of salt to taste (optional)
*Toasted sesame seeds add a more savory taste to the final sauce
**Use a neutral-tasting oil like olive or vegetable oil for best results
How To Make It
Pour the sesame seeds into a food processor and process for 1 minute. You’ll have a kind of crumbly paste, a bit like natural peanut butter.
Add 3 tablespoons of oil and process for 3 minutes more. Stop every minute to scrape the sides of the processor bowl and incorporate everything back into the mix. After 3 minutes, add the final tablespoon of oil. You’ll end up with a very smooth mix that’s easily pourable.
If you’re using it, add the pinch of salt. Process the tahini for 10-20 more seconds to complete the mix.
That’s all there is to it! You can store this in the fridge for a month (if it lasts that long!). Since this is a seed/oil mix, it will separate after a while like natural peanut butter. When this happens, mix it back up with a quick spoon stir.