Tahini is a nutrient-packed ingredient that’s super versatile to use in the kitchen! From appetizers to snacks to desserts, I’ve rounded up 30 of my favorite recipes using this nutty, creamy and tasty ingredient!
What is Tahini?
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines that imparts a deliciously elevated rich nutty flavor and creamy texture. Tahini is used in many dishes like hummus, baba ganoush and various dressings.
How to Use Tahini in the Kitchen
Tahini is suuuuuper versatile and can be used in many ways in the kitchen:
- Salad dressings: Tahini can be used to make creamy salad dressings by combining it with lemon juice or vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. It adds richness and a nutty flavor to salads.
- Sauces and dips: Use tahini as a base for dips like hummus, baba ganoush (eggplant dip), or sauces for grilled meats, fish, or as a drizzle over roasted vegetables.
- Marinades: Add tahini into marinades for meats, tofu, or vegetables. Its nutty flavor complements various spices and herbs, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Baking: Tahini can be used in baking to add flavor and moisture to cookies, cakes, and bread. It pairs well with flavors like chocolate and citrus.
- Smoothies: Add tahini to smoothies or shakes for a creamy texture and nutty flavor. It pairs well with banana, dates, and cinnamon.
When using tahini, be sure to stir it well before using as it can separate with the oil at the top. Store tahini in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its freshness and to prevent spoilage.
Nutrition Benefits of Tahini
Tahini is predominately made of sesame seeds which are rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can help support heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and regulating total cholesterol.
Tahini is a good source of the B vitamin, thiamin. Thiamin is a vital nutrient that is essential for energy metabolism, nervous system function, heart health, digestion, stress response, and overall growth and development.
Tahini also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorous, and zinc, and contains fiber.
My favorite recipes using tahini
Breakfast
Cinnamon Apple Tahini Oatmeal Bowl via The Grateful Grazer
Dairy-Free Strawberry Tahini Smoothie via Peel with Zeal
Tahini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread via The Foodie Dietitian
Maple Tahini Fig Overnight Oats via Lively Table
Tahini Smoothie via Smoothies n Cookies
Appetizers
Olive Hummus via The Healthy Epicurean
Tahini Queso Dip via The Herbeevore
Lentil Dip with Tahini and Lemon via Olive Tomato
Lemon Tahini Lentil Hummus via Bucket List Tummy
Creamy Eggplant and Zucchini Dip via Rachael Hartley Nutrition
Snacks
Cacao Tahini Collagen Bites via Nourished by Nutrition
Maple Tahini Snack Balls via Leanne Ray
Sesame Energy Balls via Through the Fibro Fog
Date Caramel Stuffed Dark Chocolate Figs with Sea Salt via Rachael Hartley Nutrition
Dark Chocolate Tahini Cups via Lively Table
Lunch/Dinner
30 Minute Broccoli Fried Rice with Turmeric-Tahini Sauce via Dishing Out Health
Tahini Pasta via Delightful Adventures
Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Parsley Tahini via It’s a Veg World After All
Grilled Tahini Chicken via Recipe Runner
Saucy Tahini Pasta with Crispy Tofu via Zardy Plants
Mediterranean Mason Jar Salad with Tahini Yogurt Dressing via McDaniel Nutrition Therapy
Tofu Kale Power Bowl with Tahini Dressing via The Plant Powered Dietitian
Cumin Roasted Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce via Uproot Kitchen
Grilled Chicken Shawarma via MJ and Hungry Man
Dill and Tahini Egg Salad Toast via Tasty Balance Nutrition
Dessert
Tahini Almond Butter Chocolate Dipped Cookies via Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies via The Foodie Dietitian
Chocolate Tahini Icebox Cake via Sugar Spice and Glitter
Date and Tahini Ice Cream via The Flavor Bender
Miso Tahini Brownies via Sift and Simmer
For more recipe roundups, check out my other posts below!
35 Middle Eastern Inspired Recipes to Try
Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
38 Best Apple Breakfast Recipes
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