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Tahini paste is super easy and fast to make. It tastes so much better and fresher than the purchased paste. By making it yourself you can use raw sesame seed or toast them as little or as much as you like. Use the tahini paste in my easy Hummus recipe.

Key Takeaways:

Fresh and Flavorful: Homemade tahini paste tastes fresher and better than store-bought versions, offering control over flavor by toasting sesame seeds to your preference.
Cost-Effective: Making tahini at home costs about half as much as commercial tahini, especially when buying sesame seeds in bulk.
Simple Ingredients: Tahini requires only two ingredients—sesame seeds and oil—making it an easy, quick, and versatile recipe.
Nutritional Benefits: Sesame seeds are rich in protein and B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, brain function, and muscle health.
Customizable Recipe: Choose raw or toasted sesame seeds for different flavors and colors, but avoid burning seeds to prevent bitterness.
Efficient Method: Use a high-power blender to achieve a creamy, smooth consistency, perfect for homemade hummus and other dishes.

SIS (simple is smart) recipe for Tahini Paste:

Do you like to make Hummus? After you make this Tahini Paste hop over to my Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe. Once you made this creamy smooth hummus you will never go back to store purchased hummus again. This Tahini paste won’t last long once you start making your own hummus. I will show you my SIS (simple is smart) way to make your own tahini.

Tahini has only two ingredients, Sesame seeds and oil. That is it. A while ago I decided that I wanted to make my own tahini paste. I had purchased a jar of tahini and discovered that I wasn’t able to use it fast enough and sadly I had to discard most of the jar. After that I decided that it would be SIS to make what I needed, when I needed it. It is fresh, I only make enough for a recipe (or maybe two) of hummus and the cost is about half of the commercial Tahini.

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SIS Tip - Simple is Smart Tips

SIS Way to Buy Sesame Seeds for Tahini Paste?

Don’t purchase the sesame seeds from the spice section at you local supermarket. You will pay about $5 an ounce. Purchase organic sesame seeds in bulk 1 pound bags from a bulk seller like Nuts.com. Their cost per ounce is about 30 cents for the organic sesame seeds.

The tahini paste can be made from either raw sesame seeds or you can toast them up for a nuttier flavor and browner color to your paste. I toast them for my tahini paste. Either toasted or raw is delicious. Note: if you toast them be careful they don’t burn any of the seeds. Burnt sesame seeds will give a bitter taste to your tahini paste.

SIS way to Toast Sesame Seeds for Tahini Paste

Use a cast iron skillet on the stove to toast the sesame seeds. Add a cup of sesame seeds to a preheated skillet. Stir continuously on medium high, heat until the seeds are brown and toasted. to perfection. Remove the seeds from the skillet and cool them. Leaving the seeds in the skillet to cool, may result in burnt seeds.

Sesame seeds have a multitude of nutritional benefits for the brain and body. They are high in protein with 5 grams of protein per 3 tbsp. of sesame seeds. They also have four different B vitamins, thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate. The B vitamins are important for good brain and body development in children and for the maintenance of healthy tissue including our muscles. The B vitamins are also critical in energy metabolism of our cells and in helping our brain cells communicate with eachother.

Ingredients and Method for Homemade Tahini Paste

Ingredients:

Raw Sesame Seeds
Organic Olive oil

Method

The key to creamy smooth Tahini paste is a powerful blender. Blendtec and Vitamix are two brands that work well. Add the toasted sesame seeds to the blender and blend until a thick paste forms. Then slowly drizzle extra virgin olive oil, or grapeseed oil into the paste until you have a creamy smooth consistency. The Tahini paste is now ready to use in Hummus. See how simple that was.

Now go make some Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and if you have time how about some No-Knead Pita Bread to go with it.

FAQ for Tahini Paste

How long does homemade tahini paste last?

Homemade tahini paste has a pretty long shelf life. When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 6 months. However, it’s important to note that the taste and texture may start to deteriorate after a few months, so it’s best to use it within the first 3-4 months for optimal flavor.

Is raw or roasted tahini better?

Raw tahini is made from raw sesame seeds that have not been toasted, while roasted tahini is made from sesame seeds that have been toasted to bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor. Both versions have their merits. Raw tahini tends to have a milder taste and a smoother texture, making it great for dressings, dips, and sauces. On the other hand, roasted tahini has a richer and more intense flavor, which pairs well with savory dishes like hummus or roasted vegetables.

What dishes can I make with tahini paste?

Tahini paste, made from ground sesame seeds, is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes. One popular dish that can be made with tahini paste is Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Simply combine tahini paste with chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a creamy and flavorful dip. Another dish that can be made with tahini paste is Roasted Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip. Roast eggplant, mash it with tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, and you have a smoky and tangy dip that is perfect for spreading on bread or pita chips. Tahini paste can also be used as a dressing for salads or as a sauce for roasted vegetables. Its nutty flavor adds a unique twist to any dish it is used in.

How long does tahini dressing last in the fridge?

Tahini dressing, when stored properly in an airtight container, can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the dressing may deteriorate over time, so it’s best to use it within the first week for optimal taste and texture. If you notice any changes in color, smell, or consistency, it’s better to discard the dressing to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.

How to keep tahini from separating?

First, make sure to store your tahini properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Second, give it a good stir before using it. This will help distribute the oils evenly and prevent separation. If your tahini does separate, simply add a teaspoon of water and stir vigorously until it becomes smooth again.

Does lemon juice thicken tahini?

Lemon juice might not be the best option for thickening tahini. Tahini is already a thick paste made from ground sesame seeds, and adding lemon juice to it can actually thin it out rather than thicken it. Lemon juice is acidic and has a tendency to break down the proteins in tahini, making it runnier in consistency. If you’re looking to thicken your tahini, it’s better to use other ingredients like water, olive oil, or even yogurt. These will add richness and creaminess to your tahini without compromising its texture.

Why is my homemade tahini bitter?

Homemade tahini can be a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire, but sometimes it can turn out unexpectedly bitter. There are a three common reasons why this might happen.

The bitterness could be due to the type of sesame seeds used. Some seeds have a naturally bitter flavor, so it’s important to choose high-quality seeds for your tahini.
Another factor could be the roasting process. If the seeds are roasted for too long or at too high a temperature, they can become bitter.
The bitterness could be a result of over-processing the tahini. When blending or grinding the sesame seeds, be careful not to overdo it, as this can release unwanted bitter compounds. By making a few adjustments in your process, you can easily avoid the bitterness and enjoy a smooth and delicious homemade tahiniR

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