Description
This Easy Tahini Recipe offers a simple and quick way to make your own creamy and flavorful sesame seed paste at home using just a few ingredients. Toasting the sesame seeds brings out a rich, nutty flavor, while blending with neutral oil creates a smooth, pourable consistency perfect for dressings, dips, and sauces. Ideal for Middle Eastern dishes and a versatile vegan, gluten-free condiment.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 2 to 4 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed, avocado, or light olive oil)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become lightly golden and fragrant. Take care not to burn the seeds as it will impart a bitter taste. Remove from heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Grind the seeds: Transfer the cooled sesame seeds to a food processor and blend until the seeds turn crumbly in texture, forming a coarse paste.
- Add oil and blend: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons of your chosen neutral oil and continue blending for 2 to 3 minutes. This process should create a smooth, creamy, and pourable tahini paste.
- Adjust consistency: If the tahini is too thick or crumbly, add more oil, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Season and store: Add a pinch of salt if desired and briefly blend again to incorporate. Transfer the tahini to an airtight jar and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Using hulled sesame seeds results in a smoother tahini with a milder flavor, while unhulled sesame seeds produce a thicker, more bitter paste.
- Toasting sesame seeds amplifies their nutty flavor, but raw tahini can also be made without toasting for a milder taste.
- Neutral oils like grapeseed, avocado, or light olive oil provide a clean taste that does not overpower the sesame flavor.
- Store tahini in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
