Tahini
Also called sesame seed paste
Tahini is a sesame seed paste adding rich, nutty flavor to Middle Eastern dishes.
Flavor profile
Aroma: nutty, toasty
Good to know
Origin: Middle East
Forms: paste
Storage: Store in a cool place; refrigerate for longer shelf life.
How to use tahini
Dressings with Depth
Mix tahini with lemon juice to alter texture and enhance sesame flavors.
Nutty Hummus
In hummus, tahini's oils work with chickpea proteins to create creaminess.
What goes with tahini
- Lemon. Lemon's acidity brightens tahini's nutty, creamy flavors.
- Chickpea. Tahini's nutty richness and chickpea's creamy starch blend into hummus.
- Eggplant. Nutty tahini enriches smoky charred eggplant, the base of baba ganoush.
- Garlic. Garlic adds a pungent note to tahini’s nuttiness.
- Parsley. Parsley’s freshness lightens tahini’s dense nuttiness.
- Cumin. Cumin's earthiness deepens tahini’s nuttiness.
- Honey. Honey's sweetness offsets tahini's slight bitterness.
- Carrot. Nutty, bitter tahini balances carrot's sweetness.
- Cauliflower. Nutty tahini and roasted cauliflower's browned sweetness suit each other.
- Pumpkin. Nutty tahini and sweet roasted pumpkin make a Middle Eastern dip.
Mistakes to avoid
- Unstirred tahini gives uneven flavor.
- High oil content can overwhelm if unbalanced.
Ideas for tonight
- Swirl into hummus for a silky finish.
- Mix with molasses for a sweet treat.
- Use in cookies as a butter replacement.
Tahini: questions
What does tahini taste like?
Tahini is a sesame seed paste adding rich, nutty flavor to Middle Eastern dishes. Its strongest notes are earthy, with an aroma that is nutty, toasty.
What goes well with tahini?
Tahini pairs best with lemon, chickpea, eggplant, garlic, parsley. Lemon's acidity brightens tahini's nutty, creamy flavors.
How do you use tahini in cooking?
Dressings with Depth: mix tahini with lemon juice to alter texture and enhance sesame flavors.
How should you store tahini?
Store in a cool place; refrigerate for longer shelf life.
What is the most common mistake with tahini?
Unstirred tahini gives uneven flavor.
