Homemade Tahini Recipe
Tahini (also called Tahina) is a smooth, fine paste made from ground sesame seeds and oil. This homemade version uses lightly toasted white sesame seeds and sunflower oil. It has a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Tahini is mostly used in dips, sauces, and dressings.
Servings: 1 Small Jar
Calories: 1269kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup (135 grams) white sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt or add according to taste
- 3 to 5 tablespoons sunflower oil or add as needed, can use any neutral flavored oil
Instructions
- Lightly toast the sesame seeds on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until aromatic. Stir often.
- Cool them completely before blending.
- Grind the seeds and salt in a blender or food processor until powdery.
- Add 3 tablespoons oil gradually and blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons oil while blending.
- Check the taste and add more salt if needed.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. Tahini keeps well for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Do not brown the sesame seeds: Toast the seeds lightly on low heat, only until aromatic. Browning or deep toasting will darken the tahini and add bitterness.
- Blend in intervals for best texture: Blend in short bursts and scrape the sides often. This prevents overheating and helps the tahini turn smooth and creamy.
- Add oil slowly to control consistency: Add the oil gradually once the sesame seeds release their natural oils. This helps control thickness and prevents the tahini from becoming runny.
- Choosing oil and seeds: Use neutral oils like sunflower oil, light olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil. Hulled (polished) sesame seeds give a lighter, smoother tahini, while unhulled (unpolished) seeds make it thicker with a mild natural bitterness.
- Stir before use if oil separates: Separation is normal in homemade tahini. Stir well before using to restore a smooth consistency.
- Note: The approximate nutrition information is for the entire batch of tahini made from this recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 1269kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 123g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 32g | Monounsaturated Fat: 72g | Sodium: 1178mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 1mg | Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.3mg | Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 6mg | Vitamin B6: 1mg | Vitamin E: 23mg | Vitamin K: 3µg | Calcium: 1317mg | Vitamin B9 (Folate): 131µg | Iron: 20mg | Magnesium: 474mg | Phosphorus: 849mg | Zinc: 10mg
