Tahini | The Recipe Critic

Make this easy tahini right at home with just sesame seeds and olive oil. This Middle Eastern condiment resembles the same texture as nut butter and is a staple ingredient used in sauces, savory dishes, and even desserts!

Making your own sauces is the best way to go, they’re fast, delicious, and oh-so-good! Homemade ingredients and sauces are also a great option for those times when the grocery store doesn’t have what you need. Try our favorite cheese sauce, Alfredo sauce, or yum yum sauce!

What is Tahini?

Tahini originated in the Middle East and is a common condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. This earthy-flavored paste is mild in taste and is so versatile in recipes because it can enhance the flavors. Tahini is smooth and creamy in texture and its oil content makes it perfect for baked goods and dressings.

Tahini is an ingredient popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It has a mild nutty flavor and is commonly used to make dips and sauces like hummus, this tahini sauce recipe, and baba ganoush.

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Tahini

There are only two ingredients in this recipe for homemade tahini. You most likely already have the oil. That’s right, it only takes sesame seeds and olive oil to make tahini at home. If you have a hard time finding sesame seeds in bulk you can find them easily online. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

• Sesame Seeds: Use hulled sesame seeds in this recipe! Toasting them helps prevent the tahini from tasting too bitter.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps create the creamy texture of tahini because you can make it the exact consistency that you want.

Easy Tahini Recipe

Tahini can sometimes be an expensive ingredient so it’s very economical to make it at home! I love when I can make and use ingredients right at home especially when they can be hard to find. This tahini recipe is so easy to make at home that you won’t ever have to buy it again! And it’s way better than store-bought!

1. Toast the Sesame Seeds: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and spread them out evenly in a single layer. Toast until they are a light golden brown. Stir throughout the toasting process and watch them closely so they don’t burn. You will need to toast them in several batches.
2. Blend the Sesame Seeds: Slightly cool the toasted seeds then add them to a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend for 2-3 minutes or until the seeds are crumbly and dry.
3. Add the Olive Oil: Add in the olive oil and blend for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Add more oil if needed or desired for a runnier texture.
4. Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use in recipes!