Homemade Tahini Sauce Recipe
A smooth, creamy, and versatile Mediterranean delight, tahini sauce is a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. With a nutty flavor and a silky texture, it’s a fantastic dressing for salads, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls, or simply enjoyed as a dip. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making homemade tahini sauce that rivals any store-bought version, bringing freshness and richness to your dishes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 200 grams |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3/4 cup (about 180 ml) |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 10
Cuisine
- Mediterranean
Course
- Dinner
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Toast the Sesame Seeds
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the sesame seeds evenly over a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and toast the seeds for 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure to stir the seeds occasionally to ensure they toast evenly. Be cautious not to let the seeds brown; you want them to remain a light golden color for the perfect nutty flavor. -
-
Cool the Seeds
Once toasted, remove the sesame seeds from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. This cooling process ensures the seeds won’t lose their smooth texture when blended. -
Grind the Seeds
Transfer the cooled sesame seeds to a mini food processor. Pulse until the seeds are finely ground, resembling a powder. This step is essential for a smooth tahini sauce. -
Blend with Olive Oil
Add 1/2 cup of the extra virgin olive oil to the powdered sesame seeds. Blend for 5 to 10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed. The mixture will gradually thicken and develop into a rich, creamy consistency, resembling a paste or sauce. -
Finish the Tahini Sauce
Once you have a smooth paste, add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil to the food processor and blend again to incorporate. This will give the tahini its final creamy texture and perfect consistency. -
Storage
Pour the tahini sauce into an airtight glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 months, making it a handy condiment to have on hand for various dishes. -
Serving Suggestions
This homemade tahini sauce can be used as a dressing for a roasted vegetable salad, or as a dip for pita bread, fresh vegetables, or falafel. It can also be drizzled over grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or mixed with lemon juice and garlic for an enhanced flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Consistency Adjustment: If you prefer a thinner tahini sauce, simply add a bit more olive oil or a small amount of warm water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, you can blend in a clove of garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of sea salt.
- Storage: Make sure to store the tahini sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
Enjoy the creamy richness of this homemade tahini sauce on your Mediterranean-inspired dishes! Whether as a dressing, dip, or sauce, this versatile recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
