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Home » Recipes » Dips & Chutney

Easy Homemade Tahini

Published September 13, 2021 Updated April 7, 2022 By Meeta Arora 2 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Easy Homemade Tahini
Easy Homemade Tahini

Homemade Tahini has a rich nutty taste and is so easy to make with just two ingredients - sesame seeds and oil. It is so much better and cheaper than store bought tahini. Tahini paste is a perfect addition not only to hummus, but also great to make salad dressings and dips.

Homemade tahini paste in a small jar
Tahini Paste

If you are a hummus lover, then this tahini paste is one ingredient you want to have prepped in your refrigerator.

Of course, you can buy tahini from the store. But trust me, it is so much cheaper and better when made at home. And not to mention, it is easy to make and hardly takes any time. However if you are still keen to buy Tahini, I like Trader Joes tahini the best.

As this tahini paste stores really well, you can always make a double batch and have it ready to make a variety of dips, dressings and sauces.

Jump to:
  • What is Tahini?
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Tahini Paste?
  • Tips
  • How to store?
  • Ways To Use
  • Common Questions
  • Easy Homemade Tahini

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a paste made with toasted sesame seeds (and oil). It is commonly used in mediterranean and middle eastern cuisines.  It is a common ingredient in hummus and baba ganoush, and often used as a dip or dressing.

You might have the question - "Is tahini just an ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush or can it be eaten on its own?" I did have this question when I initially started making mediterranean dishes at home.

Well, the good news is tahini can be used in many ways - it can be used as a dip for raw veggies or can be spread on toast. It can be used as a salad dressing, or as a sauce for cooking meats. And the best of all - it does make hummus so much better.

Tahini is also a healthy addition to your diet. It is a great source of calcium, manganese, and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Tahini is made with just two ingredients - sesame seeds and oil.

Sesame Seeds: It is preferable to use hulled sesame seeds to make tahini, as they are less bitter compared to unhulled sesame seeds.

Oil: I prefer to use olive oil or avocado oil when making tahini at home. If you are using fresh sesame seeds, which release a lot more of their own oil, then you could add less oil or even skip adding any oil.

Hulled sesame seeds in a bowl
Hulled Sesame Seeds

How to make Tahini Paste?

Tahini is very easy to make, kind of similar to making almond butter, where you toast and the blend until smooth.

Heat a clean heavy bottom pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir frequently until they begin to turn golden brown in about 3-5 minutes.

Be careful and don't forget to stir as sesame seeds burn quickly. You don't want the sesame seeds to turn brown and give a burnt taste. But you do want them to turn golden brown to get the best flavor.

Microwave option: You can also microwave the sesame seeds to toast them. Microwave the sesame seeds for about 3 minutes (checking at one minute intervals). When they are light golden in color, they are ready to be cooled for the next step.

Roasting sesame seeds in a pan

Once they’re toasted, let them cool a few minutes then add them to a food processor or high speed blender such as Vitamix.

Add the olive oil when grinding the sesame seeds. You will need to scrape the mixture down the sides couple of times. Add more or less olive oil as needed until you get the right consistency. It should be a thick pourable consistency.

Blended tahini paste in a Vitamix
Sesame Tahini in a blender

And there you have it. Your diy tahini paste is ready in no time.

Tips

Sesame Seeds: Use hulled sesame seeds for the optimal taste and toast them on medium flame while stirring continuously.

Blender or food processor: Remember that you will need a high powered blender or food processor to make tahini. If needed, you can also double the recipe so that you have enough quantity in your blender to make a smooth paste.

Homemade tahini paste in a small jar
Homemade Tahini

How to store?

Transfer tahini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for a month. You might need to stir it well before use, as the oils may separate.

Sesame Tahini paste in a small jar with a spoon

Ways To Use

  • Add it to make the perfect hummus or baba ganoush.
  • As a dip for pita bread or vegetables.
  • Makes the best vegan creamy dressings for salads or bowls. (See below my vegan buddha bowl with Lemon Tahini Sauce)
  • Top on falafel or shawarma.
Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Quinoa Buddha Bowl topped with avocado
Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing

Common Questions

Is tahini healthy?

Yes, tahini is a great source of calcium, manganese, and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients provide anti-inflammatory properties and healthy fats to the body. It is also naturally vegan and gluten-free.

How long can you store tahini?

Tahini can be store it in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for a month (maybe a little more). You might need to stir it well before use, as the oils may separate.

Hope you enjoy this easy Tahini paste recipe.

Here are some more easy sauce recipes:

  • Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce
  • Apricot Chutney
  • Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce
  • Mint Cilantro Chutney
  • Peanut Chutney
Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
Smooth Tahini paste in a small glass jar

Easy Homemade Tahini

Meeta Arora
Homemade Tahini has a rich nutty taste and is so easy to make with just two ingredients - sesame seeds and oil. It is so much better and cheaper than store bought tahini. Tahini paste is a perfect addition not only to hummus, but also great to make salad dressings and dips.
5 from 1 vote
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Servings: 8
Calories: 138
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
Method: Blender/Food Processor
Prep Time: 8 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 13 mins

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup Sesame seeds hulled
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil or avocado oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat a clean heavy bottom pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir frequently until they begin to turn golden brown in about 3-5 minutes. Be careful and don't forget to stir as sesame seeds burn quickly. 
    Roasting sesame seeds in a pan
  • Let the seeds cool down a bit and then transfer to a blender or food processor. Add the olive oil. You will need to scrape the mixture down the sides couple of times. Add more or less olive oil as needed until you get a thick pourable consistency.
    Tahini is ready to enjoy immediately or store.
    Blended tahini paste in a Vitamix
  • Transfer tahini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for a month. You might need to stir it well before use, as the oils may separate.
    Smooth Tahini paste in a small glass jar

Video

Notes

Microwave option: You can also microwave the sesame seeds to toast them. Microwave the sesame seeds for about 3 minutes (checking at one minute intervals). When they are light golden in color, they are ready to be cooled for the next step.
Sesame Seeds: Use hulled sesame seeds for the optimal taste and toast them on medium flame while stirring continuously.
Blender or food processor: Remember that you will need a high powered blender or food processor to make tahini. If needed, you can also double the recipe so that you have enough quantity in your blender to make a smooth paste.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 183mgIron: 3mg
Keyword how to make tahini, tahini paste
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Therese says

    November 21, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    What type of grinder do you use for the sesame seeds?

    Reply
    • Piping Pot Curry says

      November 21, 2017 at 9:11 pm

      Therese - I used a mini grinder which I got from india. It is called Preethi and is available on amazon. I think my vitamix would also be great for it, but I was doing a small quantity and felt the jar was large for it. I think a magic bullet might also do the job of grinding sesame seeds.

      Reply

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Meeta Arora of Piping Pot Curry

I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. Here you will find easy & delicious recipes using Instant Pot & Air Fryer.

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