Tahini is a easy to make Mediterranean condiment made with sesame seeds. It can be added to spreads, sandwiches, salads and tahini sauce.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Condiment
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup sesame seeds
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil ((skip if you have a high speed blender))
  • 1 pinch salt ((optional))

Method

Preparation (skip if using hulled sesame)

  1. If using unhulled sesame seeds, rinse them in lots of water and rub with both your palms.
  2. Drain them to a colander and repeat the rinse few more times. Shake off the colander to get rid of excess water.
  3. Pat them dry with a kitchen clothe.

How to Make Tahini

  1. Roast sesame seeds on a low to medium flame until crunchy and aromatic. Cool them completely.
  2. Add them to a processor or grinder jar along with salt if using.
  3. Blend until the seeds are crushed well and fine. Within a few minutes the seeds will begin to release oils.
  4. If you do not have a high speed blender add the oil as needed and blend until it turns to a smooth paste.
  5. Store tahini in a airtight glass jar.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.