1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Middle Eastern Food

Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste)

By , About.com Guide

Tahini is a Middle Eastern pantry essential. It is the foundation for amny Middle Eastern recipes like hummus and baba ghanoush.

Tahini can be prepared homemade or purchased at a Middle Eastern grocer in a can. It is called tahini or tahina, depending on the region.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 5 cups sesame seeds
  • 1 1/2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350. Toast sesame seeds for 5-10 minutes, shaking the seeds frequently with a spatula. Do not allow to brown. Cool for 20 minutes.

Pour sesame seeds into food processor and add oil. Blend for 2 minutes. Check for consistency. The goal is a thick, yet pourable texture. Add more oil and blend until desired consistency.

Yield: 4 cups

Storing Tahini

Tahini should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
User Reviews Write Review

Explore Middle Eastern Food

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Middle Eastern Food
  4. Dips and Sauces
  5. Tahini Recipe - About Middle Eastern Food

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.