Tahini

A silky sesame paste that enriches everything from hummus to dressings.

Also known as: sesame paste, tahina, tahin

Overview

Tahini is a smooth paste of ground sesame seeds, ranging from pourable to thick depending on the brand. Nutty, rich, and faintly bitter, it is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern and Levantine cooking, where it functions as both an ingredient and a condiment.

It is the binding richness in hummus and baba ganoush, the base of lemony sauces for falafel and shawarma, and a key ingredient in halva. Beyond the region, tahini has become a favorite for dressings, sauces, and even baking thanks to its creamy body and dairy-free richness.

Culinary Uses

Blended into hummus, baba ganoush, and other dips.
Thinned with lemon, garlic, and water into a sauce for falafel and vegetables.
Whisked into salad dressings and noodle sauces.
Used in sweets such as halva and tahini cookies.

Flavor Profile

Rich, nutty, and creamy with a gentle bitterness.
Thickens dramatically when mixed with acid, then loosens with water.
Balances beautifully with lemon, garlic, and honey.

Storage

Store unopened jars in a cool, dark cupboard.
After opening, stir to recombine and refrigerate for several months.
Bring to room temperature and stir well before each use, as the oil separates.

Preparation

Stir thoroughly to reincorporate any separated oil before measuring.
When making sauce, add lemon or water gradually — it seizes before it smooths out.
Whisk with warm water to reach a pourable, silky consistency.

Nutrition

Tahini is calorie-dense and rich in healthy unsaturated fats.

It provides plant protein, fiber, and a range of minerals.

Healthy fats

Mostly unsaturated fats from sesame seeds.

Calcium

Sesame is a notable plant source, especially unhulled.

Iron

Supplied in meaningful amounts.

Dietary Considerations

Naturally vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Contains sesame, a common allergen.

Nutrition information is educational and approximate; it varies by variety, portion, and preparation, and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Common Pairings

Chickpeas and lemon in hummusGarlic, lemon, and parsley in sauceEggplant in baba ganoushHoney and sesame in sweets

Recipes with Tahini

Sabich

A beloved Israeli pita sandwich layering fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, hummus, Israeli salad, and tahini with a bright hit of amba — a satisfying vegetarian street-food favorite.

High-Protein Turkey Meatball Bowl

Seasoned turkey meatballs served over quinoa with roasted vegetables and a light tahini drizzle — a meal-prep favorite that delivers serious protein on a lean budget.

40minEasy4 servings