Cedar's
This is a smooth, creamy paste made from 100% ground sesame seeds. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly bitter undertone. The seeds are typically toasted before grinding, which enhances their depth of flavor. It is a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, valued for its versatility and distinctive taste. The texture is pourable but thick, making it easy to incorporate into various dishes.
Tahini is a fundamental ingredient for creating many savory and sweet dishes. It adds a unique depth of flavor and a creamy texture to sauces, dips, and dressings.
To use, stir the tahini well before measuring, as the oil can separate and rise to the top. It can be thinned with water or lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency for dips like hummus or baba ghanoush. It is also excellent whisked into vinaigrettes for a richer salad dressing. For a sweet application, it can be incorporated into cookies, brownies, or halva, providing a nutty complexity. It can also be used as a binder in vegetarian patties.
Compared to other nut butters, tahini has a more pronounced savory and slightly bitter profile due to the sesame seeds. It is also generally thinner in consistency than peanut or almond butter, making it more adaptable for liquid applications like dressings and sauces.
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use tahini to add authentic flavor to a wide range of dishes.
After opening, store the tahini in a cool, dry place, ideally in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent oil separation. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to preserve its flavor and texture. It can be stored for several months when kept properly.