Most of us are aware that it’s an ingredient in hummus, and made from sesame seeds, but beyond that what do you know about tahini?
Tahini is a potent paste made from toasted sesame seeds; it’s similar in texture to natural peanut butter. Apart from being a core ingredient in hummus, tahini is often thinned with water or lemon juice and drizzled over falafel, kebabs, pilaf, and roasted or raw vegetables in Middle Eastern recipes. Sesame seeds are generally the sole ingredient.
What do we look for in tahini?
Made from hulled sesame seeds
Fairly light in color, indicating that the sesame seeds haven’t been overroasted, which can lead to bitter flavors
Smooth, creamy consistency
For our full review on tahini and our recommended brands, check out this article.