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–+ servings
Creamy Tahini Sauce.

Tahini Sauce

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • ⅓ cup (80 g) tahini made with 100% hulled sesame seeds, light-colored, and pourable - not thick
  • ⅓ cup (80 g) water add more if necessary to reach your desired consistency
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) lemon juice
  • 1 clove (1 clove) garlic peeled and crushed
  • ¼ tsp (¼ tsp) salt or more to taste

  • Stir the tahini: Mix well in the jar to reincorporate any separated oil.
    Whisk the base: In a bowl, combine ⅓ cup tahini, ⅓ cup water, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and ¼ tsp salt. Whisk for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. The mixture will curdle at first—keep whisking until velvety.
    whisk in a glass bowl with ingredients for tahini sauce
  • Add garlic: Crush 1 clove garlic and stir it in. Let infuse for 5–10 minutes, then remove. Avoid grated or minced garlic to keep the texture smooth.
    Tahini sauce with a whole clove of garlic
  • Adjust and Serve: Add more lemon juice, salt, or water as needed. Serve with hummus, pita, and falafel.
    creamy tahini sauce in a glass bowl
VARIATIONS
  • Spiced Tahini: Mix in ¼ tsp ground cumin, sumac, or smoked paprika for bold flavor.
  • Herbed Tahini: Stir in 1–2 tbsp finely chopped parsley, mint, or chives for a fresh twist.
  • Yogurt Tahini: Whisk in 2–3 tbsp plant-based (or Greek) yogurt for a creamier, tangier sauce.
  • Sweet Tahini: Add 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey to make a sweet-savory dressing.
 
HOW TO PICK THE BEST TAHINI
If you want creamy, authentic tahini with balanced flavor, go traditional whenever possible.
Look for tahini that has a light beige or sandy color and a smooth, pourable texture. This usually indicates that it’s made from hulled, roasted sesame seeds—the kind used in Middle Eastern kitchens for generations.
Avoid tahini that’s dark, thick, gritty, or pasty. These are often made from unhulled seeds, which can taste bitter and lack the mellow richness of good-quality tahini.
Check the label: the only ingredient should be 100% hulled sesame seeds. No added oils, salt, or preservatives.
 
STORAGE
  • Make Ahead: Can be prepared up to 4 days in advance; may need water to thin after 24 hours.
  • Refrigerator: Store in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Stir before serving; add lemon juice or water if it thickens.
  • Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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