This homemade tahini sauce recipe is quick and easy, allowing you to adjust the flavors and consistency to suit your taste! Enjoy the convenience of whipping up a batch in no time, ready to elevate your favorite dishes with its creamy and nutty goodness.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Freshness and quality. This naturally vegan recipe allows you to choose high-quality and fresh ingredients, resulting in a sauce that is free from additives or preservatives, and packed with wholesome flavors.
- Quick and easy. Creating this middle eastern sauce at home is a simple and quick process. With just a few basic ingredients and a blender or food processor, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Cost-effective. Making the best tahini sauce is also a cost-effective option compared to store-bought varieties. Sesame seeds, the main ingredient, are relatively affordable.
- Customizable. Making your own tahini sauce allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking! You can add it to anything from roasted vegetables, to pita bread, to burgers! It also makes a fantastic salad dressing.
Ingredients needed
- Tahini paste. Provides the distinctive flavor and creamy texture that characterizes this sauce. Tahini paste is made from ground sesame seeds that have been roasted and then blended into a smooth consistency.
- Water. To manage the desired conistency of the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice. Adds a tangy flavor, balances the richness of tahini, and helps emulsify the sauce.
- Minced garlic. Contributes a savory and aromatic element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
- Extra-virgin olive oil. Adds richness and a subtle fruity note to the sauce and will assist in retaining moisture.
- Salt. To taste.
- Ground cumin (optional). Imparts a warm and earthy flavor, if desired.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional). To garnish.
How to make tahini sauce
Step 1 – Create your consistency. In a blender, combine the tahini paste, water, and lemon juice. Blend lightly until you have your desired smooth and creamy mixture. This mixture can be whisked if you do not have a blender.
Step 2 – Add the remaining ingredients. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and cumin (if using) to the mix. Blend again to incorporate all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Step 3 – Taste and serve. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the flavors will meld together more after the sauce sits for a while. Transfer the tahini sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Serve as a sauce or dip!
Tips to make the best recipe
- Proper tahini-to-liquid ratio. Achieving the right consistency is crucial for a creamy and smooth sauce. Start by adding small amounts of liquid to the tahini paste and gradually whisk or blend until you reach the desired consistency.
- Blending or whisking technique. For a silky and well-emulsified tahini sauce use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender for a smooth texture.
- Flavor enhancement. Enhance the flavor of your tahini sauce by incorporating additional ingredients such as mint, dill, a pinch of cayenne or any of your other favorite herbs or spices. You can also add a touch of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter option!
- Let it rest and mellow. After preparing your tahini sauce, allow it to rest for at least 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a harmonious taste.
Storage instructions
To store: Transfer the tahini sauce to an airtight container, refrigerate, and give it a stir before use, lasting for 1 to 2 weeks. If desired, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the tahini sauce to help create a protective barrier and prevent excessive drying or discoloration while in the fridge.
To freeze: Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and seal it tightly. Frozen tahini sauce can be stored for up to 3 months.
Recommended tools
- Blender. The best gadget to make perfectly textured tahini sauce.
- Food processor. No blender? A food processor works just the same.
Frequently asked questions
Separation is common in tahini sauce. Simply stir or whisk the sauce vigorously until the ingredients are well combined. If needed, add a little water or lemon juice to help emulsify the sauce.
Both roasted and raw tahini can be used to make tahini sauce. Roasted tahini has a stronger, nuttier flavor, while raw tahini is milder. Choose based on your preference.
Yes, you can make tahini sauce without garlic if you prefer a milder flavor. Simply omit the garlic or replace it with a pinch of garlic powder.
Yes! this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ground
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the tahini paste, water, and lemon juice. Blend them together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. The tahini paste may initially appear thick, but will loosen quickly.
- Add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and cumin (if using) to the blender. Blend again to incorporate all the ingredients thoroughly. You can adjust the amount of water based on your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the flavors will meld together more after the sauce sits for a while.
- Transfer the tahini sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
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