Tahini is very easy to make at home. I will show you how to make it from scratch, get the right texture, and use it in everyday cooking.

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds.

It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. The flavor is nutty, slightly earthy, and rich. I like tahini because it adds depth to both savory and sweet recipes. Its nutty flavor is a people's favorite and is mostly known to be used in making hummus.

You can also explore how to turn tahini into a flavorful drizzle here: Tahini Sauce Recipe

Origin…

Tahini is the Arabic name for ground sesame seeds, but it actually originates from Persia, where it was referred to as "ardeh". When it was introduced to Israel, it was considered a delicacy because sesame seeds were costly to obtain. In other cultures, tahini was even traded as currency due to its value.

Tahini doesn't take long to make. Just like nut butters like cashew butter, almond nut butter, and peanut butter. It is quick, easy to make, and an healthy addition to your meals. 

Why Make Tahini at Home?

Store-bought works well, but homemade tahini has advantages.

Here’s why I prefer making mine:

• Fresher flavor
• Better texture control
• No added preservatives
• Simple ingredients

Once you learn the method, it becomes very easy.

Ingredients used to make Tahini 

1. Sesame seeds: I make use of hulled sesame seeds. These are generally better, smoother, and less bitter than unhulled sesame seeds. 
2. Neutral oil: Grapeseed, avocado, or light olive oil works best.
3. Salt: This is optional, but I use it to make Tahini taste better. 

How to make Tahini

• Toast sesame seeds in a skillet on low heat until golden and fragrant (around 5-10 mins). Let the toasted seeds cool completely before blending.

• Blend the seeds in a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until a crumbly paste forms (1-2 mins). 

• Slowly drizzle in oil, blend until smooth and creamy. 

• Add salt for taste, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. Stir before using.

How I Get Ultra-Smooth Tahini

A food processor is often the easiest tool for making tahini, but a high-powered blender can work as well. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom to ensure all the seeds are evenly blended.

Using Sprouted or Black Sesame Seeds

Tahini can also be prepared with sprouted or black sesame seeds. If you’ve sprouted the seeds yourself, be sure they are fully dried and lightly toasted before blending them. Excess moisture can affect the texture and shelf life.

Unhulled Sesame Seeds

Tahini made from unhulled sesame seeds tends to have a stronger, slightly bitter flavor and a coarser texture. For a smoother, milder result, hulled sesame seeds are generally the better choice.

How to Store Homemade Tahini

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 month. If oil separates, just stir before using.

How to use Tahini

Tahini is very versatile and can be used for many things. Here are some ways I use it:

• In Salad Dressings: Mix tahini with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt for a creamy dressing. It pairs beautifully with fresh salads or grilled vegetables.
• With Rice Dishes: A light tahini drizzle can balance bold flavors in dishes like Nigerian Jollof Rice or other rice recipes found in the Rice Recipes Collection.
• As a Dip Base: Blend tahini with yogurt, garlic, and herbs for a creamy dip for vegetables or grilled corn.
• Use it as a spread on toast or sandwiches
• Drizzle on Chicken Shawarma for the best flavors 
• It is a key ingredient in hummus and provides much of its distinctive flavor and creaminess.

Tips

• Toast the sesame seeds to make it more fragrant and nutty. 
• Grind the seeds a bit first before adding the oil.
• Start with a couple of teaspoons of oil for the best consistency.
• Use a high-quality blender or food processor to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• You can customize the flavor of your tahini paste by adding additional ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, or honey.
• Store leftover paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to a month.
• It's also important to note that tahini paste can be quite thick, so you may need to add additional liquid (like oil or water) as you blend to achieve the desired consistency.

Nut butters you can easily make at home

• Peanut butter
• Cashew butter
• Almond butter

Let’s connect on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. I love keeping in touch with you; nothing brings me more joy than seeing pictures of your creations. Tag me @cheflolaskitchen on Instagram and Facebook.