What can you do with a jar of Tahini?

If you're a fan of using peanut sauce as a dip, but you have a guest or family member who is allergic to peanuts, then you can use tahini as a good substitute for peanut butter. It's a different flavor but works very similarly in this role. One of our favorite light dinners is summer rolls. These are excellent with a peanut sauce. Typically, we make them with shrimp rice noodles and some fresh salad vegetables like carrot, lettuce, cucumber, or whatever’s on hand. However, with some of my family members developing peanut allergies, we tried making the sauce with tahini instead. It was excellent.

Tahini as a Versatile Ingredient

Tahini is sesame seeds ground with oil. It is a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavor and texture of many dishes. Here are some creative ways to use tahini:

Making Tahini Sauce for Falafel

There are tons of recipes online for falafel. My secret ingredients are finely ground white pepper and onion powder. To adjust the consistency, use alternate doses of water or lemon juice. This versatile sauce can be used in various dishes, from falafel sandwiches to gyros and grilled meat.

Using Tahini in Traditional Dishes

Tahini is commonly added to hummus and baba ghanouj dip. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served with traditional tzatziki sauce. Hummus is made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Baba ghanouj is made from grilled eggplant mashed with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

Innovative Uses of Tahini

Tahini can be used as a base for many dishes, including desserts and marinades. For example, tahini can be used to make halva, a sweet sesame-paste dessert. It's also used as a pre-grilling marinade to infuse meats with flavor before cooking. Additionally, tahini is used in Asian cuisine as a sauce and flavor enhancer.

Recipe Inspiration

Here are some popular recipes that showcase the versatility of tahini:

Conclusion

Tahini is a remarkable ingredient with a lot of potential in the kitchen. From classic dips like hummus and baba ghanouj to innovative uses like tahini sauce and salad dressing, tahini can elevate any dish. Give these recipes a try and discover the many ways you can enjoy tahini in your cooking.