In just five minutes, you’ll be able to whip up a Middle Eastern condiment that’s creamy, flavorful, and versatile.
One summer, I was visiting Israel and started checking out the local food stands for lunch. After ordering a delicious falafel bowl, the food stand owner asked me if I wanted tahini sauce or hummus drizzled on top. I’m familiar with hummus, but tahini sauce was a new flavor for me, so I decided to give it a try. While it has its origins in the Middle East, tahini sauce is used throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa, and other parts of the world. I enjoyed it but couldn’t quite put my finger on what I was tasting.
When I got home, I started looking into what traditional tahini sauce was made of. Was it nuts, sesame seeds, or something entirely different? Tahini comes from ground sesame seeds, so there is definitely a nutty and earthy flavor to it. I was ready to try it myself. As I whisked the ingredients together, the tahini got thicker and then eventually loosened into a smooth, creamy sauce. The tang of the lemon juice and the savory garlic took the sauce to another level. Those additions make the sauce come alive with bold flavors, which is why it goes well with a variety of dishes.
Is Tahini Sauce Healthy?
Tahini sauce is packed full of healthy ingredients! Tahini itself is a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, and nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium. You’re also getting additional benefits like vitamin C from the lemon juice and antioxidants from the garlic. It’s important to note that although tahini sauce is full of healthy fats, it is still high in calories. It’s best to consume it in moderation, which shouldn’t be a problem since a little bit of tahini sauce goes a long way!
Find The Right Balance
Even though this is a quick recipe to make, it’s a good idea to take your time to find the right balance of flavors. If you find that the tahini sauce is a bit too tangy, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice. The same thing goes for the garlic. On the opposite end, you can add a bit of Dijon mustard if you’re looking for a bit more zip to the tahini sauce. I also like to spice things up with ground cumin and cayenne pepper. If sweet fits your palate better, you can add a little bit of maple syrup to the ingredients.
As important as the flavors are, the consistency is equally important. I didn’t know what “tahini seizing” was until I started searching why my sauce was getting so hard and clumpy. As it turns out, I learned that tahini seizes when it’s mixed with liquids, so it’s important to gradually add ice-cold water. If you’re planning to use your tahini sauce as a dressing or a drizzle, you’ll want to add more water to thin out the sauce. If you’re looking for a tahini spread, you’ll need less water. Either way, make sure you always add the water slowly until you get your desired consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tahini sauce can be stored in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since tahini thickens naturally as it sits, you may need to add a bit of water to thin it back out before serving. Freezing tahini sauce isn’t recommended.
Serving Suggestions
Tahini sauce is an absolute must to have on hand for Middle Eastern cuisine, such as this delicious Mediterranean Bowl. I also love to top off a Healthy And Delicious Buddha Bowl or a Falafel Bowl with a bit of tahini sauce.
For some other ideas, I like to make a batch of Oven-Roasted Vegetables and drizzle tahini sauce on top. Other types of vegetables like Honey-Glazed Carrots and Air-Fryer Asparagus would also benefit from a bit of this flavorful sauce. You might also consider using tahini sauce in place of salad dressing over a Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus more, as needed
- 1/4 cup ice water plus more, as needed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus more, as needed
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and sea salt.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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