This is the perfect tahini sauce! Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a rich and flavorful paste that can be transformed into a delicious sauce perfect for drizzling over salads, grains, vegetables, and even grilled meats. It adds a Mediterranean flair to your dishes.
What is Tahini Sauce?
Tahini sauce is a popular condiment in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. It’s made by mixing sesame seed paste with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and a little water to create a smooth, velvety sauce. This sauce has a nutty, rich flavor with a hint of acidity, making it a great complement to both savory and sweet dishes.
Benefits of Tahini Sauce:
- Rich in healthy fats: Sesame seeds are full of unsaturated fats, which are great for heart health.
- Packed with protein: It’s a plant-based source of protein, making it a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans.
- High in calcium: Tahini is naturally rich in calcium, which supports bone health.
- Versatile: You can use this sauce in a variety of dishes, from savory bowls to sweet treats.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make tahini sauce at home in minutes.
Ingredients for this easy sauce:
Gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water (to adjust the thickness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of cumin
How to make Homemade Tahini Sauce
1. Combine the Garlic and Lemon Juice:
In a medium bowl, mix the 2-3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the garlic can flavor the lemon juice. Then, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into another medium bowl. Use a spatula to press the garlic solids and get as much liquid out as you can. Throw away the garlic.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the 1/2 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cumin to the lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is well blended.
3. Thin with Water:
Add water little by little until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, use less water; for a thinner sauce, add more water. If you’re using this tahini sauce as a dressing, it’s best to keep it a little thinner, but if you plan to use it as a dip, you might prefer it thicker.
4. Season:
Season your tahini sauce with additional salt, if needed.
5. Serve:
Once your sauce is smooth and well-mixed, it’s ready to use! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, falafel, or even a salad bowl. It’s also fantastic as a dip for pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Tahini Sauce:
- Adjust the flavor: This versatile sauce recipe can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. Add more lemon juice for acidity, garlic for boldness, or olive oil for richness. You can also add a little maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Consistency: Keep in mind that this sauce will thicken as it sits. If you’re making it in advance, you can simply stir in a little more water to loosen it up before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover tahini sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as it may separate slightly in the fridge.
What to Pair with Tahini Sauce:
Tahini sauce is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Falafel:
Tahini sauce is the perfect dip for crispy, golden falafel. The creamy sauce adds a richness that balances the flavors of the chickpea fritters.
2. Grilled Vegetables:
Drizzle tahini sauce over roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower. It adds a nutty richness that enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies.
3. Salads:
Use tahini sauce as a creamy dressing for Mediterranean-inspired salads. Toss it with greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a fresh and vibrant meal.
4. Wraps and Pitas:
Tahini sauce makes a delicious addition to wraps or pita sandwiches filled with grilled chicken, lamb, or veggies. It’s also great with shawarma!
5. Bowl Meals:
Tahini sauce is perfect for drizzling over grain bowls or Buddha bowls. Pair it with quinoa, brown rice, chickpeas, and your favorite roasted veggies for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Perfect Tahini Sauce Recipe
This is the perfect tahini sauce! Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a rich and flavorful paste that can be transformed into a delicious sauce perfect for drizzling over salads, grains, vegetables, and even grilled meats. It adds a Mediterranean flair to your dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water (to adjust the thickness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of cumin
Instructions
1. Combine the Garlic and Lemon Juice:
In a medium bowl, mix the 2-3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the garlic can flavor the lemon juice. Then, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into another medium bowl. Use a spatula to press the garlic solids and get as much liquid out as you can. Throw away the garlic.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the 1/2 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cumin to the lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is well blended.
3. Thin with Water:
Add water little by little until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, use less water; for a thinner sauce, add more water. If you’re using this tahini sauce as a dressing, it’s best to keep it a little thinner, but if you plan to use it as a dip, you might prefer it thicker.
4. Season:
Season your tahini sauce with additional salt, if needed.
5. Serve:
Once your tahini sauce is smooth and well-mixed, it’s ready to use! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, falafel, or even a salad bowl. It’s also fantastic as a dip for pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the flavor: This versatile sauce recipe can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. Add more lemon juice for acidity, garlic for boldness, or olive oil for richness. You can also add a little maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Consistency: Keep in mind that this sauce will thicken as it sits. If you’re making it in advance, you can simply stir in a little more water to loosen it up before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover tahini sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as it may separate slightly in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 121Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 72mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
The nutritional information provided for the recipes on this blog is an estimate and is based on standard ingredient portions. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For precise dietary needs or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
