Tahini
Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. Rich, nutty, and naturally bitter-sweet, it’s the backbone of hummus and a fast route to silky dressings, sauces, dips, and desserts. A spoonful adds body and depth to bowls, roasted vegetables, noodles, and bakes.
Nutrition
Two tablespoons (~32 g) contain:
✓ ~6–7 g plant protein and ~3–4 g fiber;
✓ Heart-friendly unsaturated fats;
✓ Minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc;
✓ Sesame lignans (e.g., sesamin) with antioxidant activity.
Tahini is calorie-dense; small amounts add lasting richness and nutrition.
Health Benefits
Tahini provides minerals that support bone health (calcium, magnesium) and energy metabolism (iron, zinc). Its healthy fats and fiber contribute to satiety, while sesame lignans offer everyday antioxidant support. Using tahini helps make veggie-forward dishes more satisfying.
Types of Tahini
Hulled vs. Unhulled: Hulled is paler and smoother with a milder flavor. Unhulled is darker, more robust, and slightly higher in minerals (thanks to the hull).
Raw vs. Roasted: Raw tastes gentler and slightly grassy; roasted is toastier and more intense - great for bold sauces.
Runny vs. Thick: Some brands are naturally pourable; others are thicker. Either can be thinned with water, lemon, or yogurt.
How to Use
- Quick sauce: Whisk tahini with lemon juice, cold water, garlic, and salt until light and pourable. The mix thickens first, then loosens - keep adding water a little at a time.
- Dressings & dips: Blend with herbs, miso, soy/tamari, or chili paste. Add maple/agave for balance if needed.
- Cooking & baking: Swirl into soups, noodle bowls, and roasted veg; use in cookies, brownies, or energy bites for moisture and nutty depth.
Curdling? It’s Normal
Tahini can seize and thicken when you add acid (lemon) first. Keep whisking and add cold water gradually - the sauce will turn pale and creamy.
Storage
Unopened: Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
Opened: Keep tightly sealed; pantry is fine if cool, but refrigeration extends freshness and slows oil separation. Stir well if it separates.
Can You Freeze Tahini?
Yes. Portion into small containers and freeze. Thaw in the fridge and stir - texture may thicken slightly but works well for sauces and baking.
What Do We Use?
At DAREBEETS, we use 100% sesame tahini (no added oils or sugar), favoring hulled, smooth, runny jars for effortless dressings and drizzles. We whisk it with lemon, garlic, and cold water for a quick creamy sauce, then adjust with herbs or chili depending on the recipe.
