Tahini Recipes
Tahini is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking, especially in the Levantine region. It is made by grinding sesame seeds into a creamy paste. It has a texture similar to peanut butter but a completely different flavor. For many Americans, tahini can taste bitter, but pair it with lemon, and you’ll get a balanced flavor. You’ve probably tasted tahini in hummus. Beyond hummus, it creates creamy pasta sauces, salad dressings, dips, cookies, and brownies.
Must-Try Tahini Recipes
- Lebanese Hummus: This one’s a classic. Chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and tahini combine to create an ultra-creamy dip. My recipe makes a perfectly smooth and creamy Lebanese hummus that will quickly be your go-to!
- Tahini Pasta: Adding tahini to pasta creates a creamy, dairy-free sauce! I like using pasta shapes like fusilli or orecchiette, where the sauce can nestle inside the pasta. Add veggies, and you have a quick dinner the family will love! My favorite version is tahini pasta with zucchini and leeks—simple and delicious!
- Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Harissa Sauce: Inspired by the True Food Kitchen appetizer, this recipe is a menu staple. Roasted cauliflower is topped with pistachios, fresh dill, and mint. Then, on the side is a tahini-harissa sauce that combines savory and spicy. One bite, and you will understand why their roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce is so popular!
- Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing: Tahini is a popular ingredient in salad dressings, particularly in whole-food plant-based cooking. Tahini adds a creaminess without dairy or oil. My copycat recipe for Cava’s tahini lemon herb dressing is creamy and flavorful!
- Best tahini substitutes, including Sunflower seed butter and peanut butter, can be substituted in most recipes. I’ve compiled a guide on the best tahini substitutes to help you in a pinch.
