Tahini Sauce

Ground sesame paste is the base for one of the fastest, easiest, richest sauces on the planet. You don’t even need a food processor, though it makes the sauce much smoother and the variations easier. The most common way to eat tahini sauce is on Falafel or on a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. But you can use it to dress all sorts of salads or drizzle on any not-too-heavy grilled fish, meat, or vegetable.

MAKES: About 1 cup

TIME: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup tahini, with a tablespoon or two of its oil
• Juice of 1 lemon, or more to taste
• 1 clove garlic, peeled, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Food Processor Method: In a food processor, combine the tahini, 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin (if using).
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Process until smooth and well blended.
4. Whisking Method: In a bowl, mince the garlic first.
5. Add the tahini, 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, garlic, cumin (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
6. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
7. Taste the tahini sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Add more lemon juice, oil, water, or garlic as desired.
9. Serve immediately or cover tightly and use within a day or so.

VARIATIONS:

• Yogurt Tahini Sauce: Instead of water, use 1/2 cup yogurt (whole milk, low-fat, or nonfat) for a richer version.
• Coconut Tahini Sauce: Instead of water, use 1/2 cup coconut milk for a flavor that pairs well with grilled or broiled chicken or pork.
• Roasted Pepper Tahini Sauce: Prepare the main recipe or either of the preceding variations.
• Add a Roasted Red Pepper to the food processor and blend until smooth.
• Roasted Garlic Tahini Sauce: Instead of using raw garlic, use the soft flesh from 1 head of Roasted Garlic.
• Minty Tahini Sauce: Add 1 cup fresh mint leaves to the food processor for a refreshing twist.
• Curry Tahini Sauce: Omit the cumin and add up to 2 tablespoons of curry powder for a flavorful curry-infused tahini sauce.
• Anchovy Tahini Sauce: Omit the salt and add 1 or 2 anchovies to the sauce.
• If whisking, mash the anchovies first in the bottom of the bowl.

Feel free to explore these variations and adapt the Tahini Sauce to suit your taste preferences and desired dishes. Enjoy the creamy and versatile goodness of tahini!

USES:

Tahini sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways. Here are some common uses for tahini sauce:

• Falafel Sauce: Tahini sauce is traditionally served with falafel. Drizzle it over falafel sandwiches or wraps for a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Salad Dressing: Use tahini sauce as a dressing for salads. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor complement a variety of vegetables. Try it on a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions or use it as a base for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
• Sandwich Spread: Spread tahini sauce on sandwiches or wraps for added creaminess and flavor. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or even as a substitute for mayo or mustard.
• Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Use tahini sauce as a topping or marinade for grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or beef. It also adds a delicious flavor when drizzled over grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Buddha Bowls: Incorporate tahini sauce into your Buddha bowls or grain bowls. It adds a creamy element to the dish and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve tahini sauce as a dip for raw vegetables, pita bread, or crispy tofu. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries.
• Marinade or Glaze: Use tahini sauce as a marinade or glaze for roasted or baked dishes. It adds a rich flavor and helps to keep the meat or vegetables moist during cooking.
• Rice and Grain Bowls: Drizzle tahini sauce over rice bowls or grain bowls for added creaminess and flavor. It works well with a variety of grains such as quinoa, bulgur, or couscous.

Remember, tahini sauce can be customized with additional ingredients like herbs, spices, or citrus juices to suit your taste preferences and complement different dishes. Enjoy experimenting with tahini sauce in various recipes to discover your favorite combinations!