Tahini: Everything You Need to Know

May 29, 2018 | Hummus Ingredients, Middle Eastern Dips, Sauce Recipes, Tahini Recipes

We all know the famous hummus dip, with it’s different versions all over the world. But did you know that it has one ingredient that is famous in it’s own right? Everybody’s favorite, tahini to be specific! Let’s talk about tahini and everything you need to know about it.

What’s Tahini?

Tahini, also known for various names like Tahina and Ardeh, is a toasted ground hulled sesame seed-based condiment. It is famously used in a lot of well known Eastern Mediterranean cuisines, but has also gained popularity in China and other Southeast Asian nations.

Basically, the tahini can be used as a standalone dip, which is a must-have in most Mediterranean dishes. Although it is also a major ingredient of hummus, halva, and baba ghanoush. Those are already famous appetizers, so take that popularity and the tahini can make a name of its own.

Everything You Need to Know About Tahini

Now that we know a bit of what tahini is, let’s delve deeper into this delectable dip/spread/ingredient and discover things you might not have known previously about it.

It’s Versatility is Endless

We already know that you can use tahini as a dip or even as a component to the widely-known hummus. But more than than, there are various ways you can enjoy this yummy substance. It can be used as a base for sauces due to its creamy texture, try it as a salad dressing, transform the way you enjoy pasta, and even create a tahini-based ice cream! Your imagination is the only limit to the way you can use it.

Tahini is a Healthy Addition to Any Dish

One compelling reason why people choose to experiment with tahini is not only because of its delicious taste, but also the health benefits it can bring. It is known to pack more protein that most nuts and milk. It even has various vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins for brain function and energy, vitamin E for lesser risks of stroke and heart disease, plus calcium, iron, and magnesium. That’s a lot of great things from a humble condiment!

Creating Homemade Tahini is Easy as Pie

If you thought a dish this beneficial can only be bought in stores, you’re wrong. You can make your own tahini at home with white hulled sesame seeds, grapeseed or olive oil, an oven, and a food processor! And the best thing is that it takes only 20 minutes to create your own version, with prep time and cooking time combined. Easy and cost-effective!

It is Going to Have its Own Film

If you still don’t believe the impact of tahini in your life, then perhaps a documentary will? A “Tahini the Movie” is in the works, which pays homage to this healthy dish. Coincidentally, the same team that made “Hummus the Movie” is working on it. What are the odds?

We could go on and on, but let’s leave it at this bite-sized information for now. Interested to try it out?

5 Popular Hummus Recipes on the Internet You Should Try

Jun 28, 2017 | All About Hummus, Basic Hummus, Hummus Ingredients, Hummus Video Recipes, Recipes, Tahini Recipes

5 Popular Hummus Recipes on the Internet You Should Try if you really do love hummus. We are pretty crazy about it, but truthfully we aren’t the only ones. There are literally thousands of websites that offer hummus recipes, but it’s basically the same basic ingredients with some geographical additions. We have heaps of different ideas on this site and we like to put just about anything with it to improve it. After all, we don’t want to get tired of it, do we?

Culinary Revolution

Food has been one of the most basic physiologic needs that man cannot do without, but what started as a mere need for sustenance has evolved with sophistication and class. With the culinary revolution throughout generations, variations and combinations were made, thus the hummus was born. It has been around for so long and has been eaten in so many parts of the world.

Hummus does not necessarily have to be the main dish, but it does form a very important part of the meal. Generally it is also used as a dip or spread which is used in so many cultures.

Hummus Ingredients

Hummus is made primarily with chickpeas and tahini, while the other components vary from one recipe to another depending on your tastes and those dining at your table. These can include garlic, lemon or lime and sumac.

This exceptional appetizer has made waves everywhere that people are further enriching it while sharing their creations, where else, but on the web. Here are five must-try recipes that can easily be found on the internet.

Classic Dip

The first one features the hummus as a classic dip that can be prepared by anyone. By mixing the two staple ingredients with ground cumin, crushed garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, and baby coriander leaves, it works best as a partner to Turkish bread. This is a great preparation for entertaining guests.

Better than Store Bought

While there are those that can easily be purchased instead of home-prepared, there is another recipe that confidently says it might be better than store-bought hummus. There is no other way to prove such an argument but to try following the step-by-step instructions, so if you are up for it then you might as well give it a go.

Trade Secrets

The secret to making a better-tasting hummus is in the order of adding the ingredients. Another way to make it stand out from the commercial ones is by skinning the chickpeas. Also, this recipe gives you the option to add tahini or make adjustments should you choose to do away with it, providing you a free hand in concocting your own hummus.

Basic Hummus

For those who are simply starting to learn how to make hummus, here is a basic recipe that you can follow. The required ingredients are chickpeas, tahini, garlic cloves, sea salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. After mastering the basic concept of preparing hummus, you can let your imagination run wild and experiment with the flavor and texture.

If you wish to pick a different ingredient other than chickpeas, this unique hummus recipe suggests that you can use garbanzo beans instead. You also have the option to add a dash of cayenne pepper to make the dip spicier. Also, apparently you can keep it in the freezer for one month and just add a little olive oil if it becomes too dry.

Lastly, the food safari hummus recipe suggests preparation ahead of time, but the effort is well worth it. Soaking the chickpeas in water and bicarbonate soda a day before making the hummus makes it very soft and can easily be blended with other ingredients. If you have time to do this, then this may give a different culinary experience.

There are a lot of ways to prepare hummus, but ultimately it’s who you enjoy it with that makes the difference.

Sesame Tahini Recipe

Nov 7, 2014 | Basic Hummus, Hummus Ingredients, Hummus Recipe Ideas, Hummus Variations, Middle Eastern Dips, Sauce Recipes, Sides, Tahini Recipes

Sesame Tahini Recipe – For the Love of Hummus

Making your own tahini paste at home is a good way to be sure of all the ingredients in there. Not only that, but you can use tahini paste for so many other things besides putting into your hummus recipes. Made from roasted sesame seeds, this dip or spread can be used as a peanut butter substitute.

Many people cannot tolerate peanut butter due to allergies, so tahini is a good alternative. Also the taste of tahini is not as strong as peanut butter so it’s a good alternative for people who simply don’t like the taste of peanut butter. Use it on sandwiches and in wraps to give some extra flavor and it’s much healthier than salad creams and many other condiments. Add to that the fact that you have made it yourself at home, and you can be sure you are getting all the good nutrients out of your home made tahini.

Tahini can be used as a dip by itself, and is amazing with fruit such as apples and pears. Try it and see what I mean! Yum!

Why Tahini?

Tahini is a complex and nutty flavor that lends itself to many recipes and uses in the kitchen. You can spread it on toast or focaccia bread and you will be in love with the flavors that hit your tongue.

You can use tahini as a salad dressing to give your salads an unusual, nutty flavor. You can spread it on your steak for a lovely flavor combination.

Add it to your stir fry or satay sauce for a boost of flavor without the calories. Tahini can also be used as an ingredient in cookies if you crave that baked nutty flavor.
Follow the recipe below to make some awesome tahini that you can use for so many things. Keep it in an air tight container for a few days. Be sure to make some extra to spread on your morning toast.

Ingredients

1 cup of sesame seeds
1/4 cup of olive oil. Extra virgin is ideal, but really whatever you have on hand.

Method

Place the sesame seeds on a piece of greaseproof paper on a flat baking dish. Spread out as thin as possible so that they roast evenly.
Place into an oven that has been preheated to 180(0)
Roast for 5 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Bring tray out of the oven and redistribute the sesame seeds on the tray so that they will roast in the most even way.
Put tray back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Watch them like a hawk because once they start burning they are ruined.
Once they are ready, remove from the baking tray onto another flat surface for cooling for a couple of minutes.
Transfer the sesame seeds to a food processor and process for one minute.
Slowly add olive oil.
Continue processing for another 3 minutes. You will notice a smooth paste forming. If you would like it to be runnier then add more olive oil.
Add salt and pepper if you desire, but you should not need any.
Store your tahini in an air tight container for up to 4 days.