What is Tahini?
Tahini is made from sesame seeds which have been peeled and roasted before being grounded into tahini paste. The paste is then mixed with an oil that has a light taste for a creamier texture. It can be found in a range of variations depending on the other ingredient they are mixed with. For example, you can find tahini mixed with garlic and add oil to make savory sauces, or even add to sweet dishes to balance out the flavour. Tahini is usually made from peeled white sesame seeds and is light in color. It can also be made from unpeeled black sesame seeds, which produce darker tahini. One of its most well-known uses is for making classic dips such as hummus, baba ganoush and halva.
How does tahini taste?
It tastes like sesame seeds however it looks similar to natural peanut butter, but it is not naturally sweet like nut butter. It has a bitter and nutty flavour when tasted.
How to use tahini
There are many ways you can enjoy eating tahini! It can be eaten straight out of the glass, but it is best used in the classic way as a main ingredient in hummus, over fruit or as a marinade for chicken or lamb.
1. Hummus Tahini -Add it to mixed chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin seeds to make hummus. Traditional hummus recipes are made with tahini, but sesame oil can replace the seeds in a pinch.
2. Tahini sauce – Combined with Greek yogurt, garlic, parsley, coriander and lemon juice to make tahini sauce – makes a great spicy addition to gyros.
3. Spread it on toast – It can be part of a balanced breakfast with whole grain bread.
4. Spread on the falafel – For a summer dish, heat and fill the frozen falafel. Dilute your tahini by adding a few tablespoons of warm water and lemon juice, then fill your sandwich.
5. Salad dressing – Combine it with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar and lemon for the salad dressing.
6. Halva. This is a popular Israeli and Turkish confection. It consists of honey, pistachios and of course tahini.
7. Brownies. Whisk it in brownie batter for an extra nutritional boost.
8. Baba Ghanoush. Fry a small eggplant in the oven until tender. Combine 2 tablespoons of tahini with a clove of garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Cut a slit in the eggplant and spread tahini in it for some sort of deconstructed baba ghanoush.
9. Stir it into soup. Since tahini and peanut butter are similar in consistency, you can also use it as an alternative soup thickener instead of flour.
Health benefits
Tahini is a super food since it comes exclusively from ground sesame and retains all its nutrients. Sesame contributes to the proper functioning of the body and has great nutritional value as it contains many vitamins, carbohydrates in the form of fiber, many minerals and trace elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium etc. In addition, it also contains little saturated fat.
Why not give it a try for yourself by ordering Tahini or Tahini with Honey from the Greek Deli and experience the many ways it can be enjoyed!
The Greek Deli
Visit our dedicated e-shop for delicious Greek food items available both for cooking as well as immediate consumption. The Greek Deli stocks artisanal products, including Greek juices, tsoureki, egg dyes, olive oils, wines, cheeses, and mezedes. In addition, ready meals (such as pastitsio and gemista), sweets (such as baklava and kourabiedes), and Greek coffee (Loumidis) can be found in our online shop. We even stock beloved Greek chocolates and cookies. Furthermore, brands such as Lacta, Ion, Sokofreta, and Gemista cookies, as well as an impressive selection of Greek wines. You can purchase and customise our unique Greek gift boxes, with your favourite products or pre-made. One box includes extra virgin olive oil, two bottles of wine and two jars of olive paste. Along with roasted peppers, honey, chilies, and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for sending the best of Greek tastes to a distant beloved!).
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