Homemade Tahini Paste/Sesame Seeds Paste-Middle Eastern Delight

Tahini is a paste made by grinding roasted sesame seeds along with olive oil, used in North Africa, Greece, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Tahini plays a vital role in Middle Eastern recipes and is a foundation for many recipes likehummus, baba ghanoush, halva etc and also served as a dip on its own [Wikipedia]. Tahini paste can be purchased from shops, but can be made at home in a jiffy. I personally love Middle Eastern dishes and prepare hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush etc at home. Tahini is an excellent source of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids and is also rich in copper and manganese. Tahini has relatively high levels of calcium and protein and is perfectly suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Here's how to make Tahini Paste with step by step photos....

Ingredients

Sesame seeds/Ellu	1 cup
Olive oil	¼ cup or more if needed
Salt	To taste

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Author: Priya Anandakumar

Method

Dry roast the sesame seeds in a kadai in low flame until it turns golden brown. Switch off the stove, transfer them to a plate and let it cool.

Now grind the sesame seeds/Ellu in the mixer/food processor for about a minute. Add the oil, salt and continue to grind for about 1 or 2 minute to make a smooth paste.

If the mixture is really dry, then add more olive oil, 1 tsp at a time.

Yes delicious and healthy tahini paste is ready.

Transfer the tahini paste to a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Making a delicious, healthy and wonderful dip using Tahini – Hummus is coming up in my next post.

Other Middle Eastern Delights that might be of your interest...

Falafel

Hummus

Baba Ganoush

Suggestions:

Alternatively it can be roasted in an oven. Pre heat the oven to 350 F. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper and spread the sesame seeds on it. Bake it in the oven for about 6-8 minutes, mix in between to avoid any burning. Wait for the sesame seeds to turn golden brown colour. Immediately switch off the oven and transfer it to a plate and let it cool down. Then follow the same procedure mentioned above.

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