Easy Tahini Recipe – Better Than Store

I love how this tahini recipe transforms simple sesame seeds into a creamy, nutty delight with just the right touch of olive oil and salt. Its rich, toasted flavor makes it perfect for drizzling on salads or mixing into a favorite dip. Honestly, it’s my secret culinary upgrade for everyday meals.

I’ve been making this homemade tahini for a while now and it’s always been a game changer compared to store-bought versions. Getting started means using 1 cup raw sesame seeds that i lightly roast to bring out a deep nutty flavor.

Then i blend those seeds with about 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. If you’re aiming for a thinner consistency, i sometimes mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons water.

This tahini is not only packed with nutritional benefits like protein and calcium but its versatility is what makes it so special. I often use it as a base for recipes that call for tahini sauce or even as a yummy tahini alternative on salads.

It works well in tahini butter recipes too and i love experimenting with it in different dishes like homemade tahini dressing and other creative tahiti recipes. Enjoy making it for yourself!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a few reasons:

1. I love the nutty flavor that the toasted sesame seeds give, it makes everything taste so much fresher than store bought stuff.
2. The recipe is super simple, and you can tweak it with extra oil or water so that it fits exactly how I like my tahini.
3. I appreciate how versatile it is – besides hummus, I can use it in salads, dips, and even sauces.
4. I enjoy making it from scratch because it feels healthier and more homemade than the commercial ones.

Here’s a rundown of how to make our quick and easy tahini that tastes way better than any store version. First, toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn a light golden color, but be careful not let them burn. Once they cool down a bit, pop them in a food processor and add a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil plus a half teaspoon of salt. Blend everything until it turns smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if you need to. If it looks too thick, add a little water at a time until you get it just right. Taste it and adjust the salt or oil if necessary, then scoop it into a clean jar. I like to keep mine in the fridge, remember to give it a stir before using. This recipe is not only a great alternative to store bought tahini, but also comes with tons of ideas for using it in all sorts of recipes other than hummus.

Ingredients

• Each ingredient works together to create a creamy flavorful tahini that goes beyond store versions.
• Simple ingredients yield a homemade tahini full of nutrition and taste.
• Raw sesame seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats for energy and satiety.
• They contribute a nutty taste that is essential for authentic tahini flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil acts as a common healthy fat that enriches the blend.
• It imparts a subtle fruity note balancing the intensity from sesame seeds.
• Salt enhances natural flavors and helps bring all the ingredients together.
• A pinch of salt ensures taste without overwhelming the delicate blend.
• Water is an optional liquid to adjust thickness and blend ingredients seamlessly.
• It adds a little fluidity when a thinner consistency is desired.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup raw sesame seeds
• 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons water if you need a thinner consistency

How to Make this

1. Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat then toss in your sesame seeds while stirring constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes until they get a light golden color but be careful they dont burn.

2. Once toasted, transfer the seeds to a plate and let them cool down a bit so that they wont make your tahini a runny mess.

3. Put the cooled sesame seeds into a food processor and add in the 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil along with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

4. Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, stopping now and then to scrape down the sides if needed.

5. If you notice the tahini is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you get the consistency you want.

6. Taste the mixture and if you feel it needs a bit more salt or oil, go ahead and add a little at a time.

7. Once youre happy with the flavor and texture, scoop the tahini into a clean jar.

8. Keep your homemade tahini in the refrigerator and remember to give it a stir before using.

Equipment Needed

1. A dry skillet
2. A plate
3. A food processor
4. Measuring spoons
5. A clean jar for storage

FAQ

Easy Tahini Recipe – Better Than Store Substitutions and Variations

• For raw sesame seeds, you can try toasted sesame seeds for a nuttier taste, or even try using hemp seeds if you want a slightly different flavor.
• If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, you might use a light olive oil or avocado oil, which both give a good consistency though the flavor may change a bit.
• Instead of regular salt, some people use sea salt or even kosher salt (though you’ll have to adjust the amount a little since the grain size is different).
• If you need to thin the tahini and don’t want plain water, a splash of lemon juice can add a nice tang and still help with consistency.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to stir the sesame seeds constantly when toasting them, because if you let them sit too long on one spot, they’ll burn real quick and mess up your tahini’s flavor.
2. After toasting, let the seeds cool completely before blending. If they’re too hot you might end up with a runny mixture that just won’t set right.
3. When you add the oil, go slow and add a little bit extra at the end if needed. It’s easier to add more than it is to fix a too-oily mix.
4. If you decide to thin the tahini with water, add it one teaspoon at a time. This way you can better control the consistency instead of having it turn out too watery.