FAQs
To thicken the tahini and give it some holding power, the solution is a bit surprising: We stirred in 2 teaspoons of juice. You'd think that adding a liquid would thin tahini rather than thicken it.
Is tahini a thickener? ›
A primary ingredient in traditional Middle Eastern hummus, tahini is used as a flavoring agent and thickener for sauces and dressings. It can even be baked into desserts. Basically, it's the Middle Eastern answer to peanut butter.
What to do if tahini is too thick? ›
If your tahini is dry, or if you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water, as needed, to reach your desired consistency. Then, taste and adjust your seasonings. If you prefer a brighter sauce, add more lemon. If it is too bitter, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey.
How do you thin out thick tahini? ›
Add more water for a thinner consistency, more salt for more overall flavor, and/or more lemon juice for more tang. Your tahini sauce is good to go!
How do you loosen thick tahini? ›
Whisk cold water into the tahini to loosen it.
The water will cause the tahini to clump together at first, but these clumps will disappear as you add more water. Continue to add spoonfuls of water until the tahini is as thin as you want it. Keep in mind that the tahini may lose some of its flavor if you thin it a lot.
Why avoid tahini? ›
Because tahini has a high fat content, it has a high number of calories, and moderation is advised for the best health benefits. A large proportion of people with tree nut allergies are also likely to be allergic to sesame seeds.
Do you refrigerate tahini after opening? ›
Do you need to refrigerate tahini? We recommend storing your tahini in a cool and dry area, away from heat and moisture. Ideally, a pantry a cabinet would be ideal. Like peanut butter, you can also store tahini in the refrigerator if you like it thicker.
Does lemon juice thicken tahini? ›
When a small amount of lemon juice (or water) is added to the tahini or peanut butter, the hydrophilic dry particles are drawn to the water. As a result, it clumps up. As water is added, more clumps develop, causing the tahini to thicken overall.
How to make tahini thicker? ›
But tahini has a thin consistency, which means that it won't stay put on the moist, slick surface of a fish fillet. To thicken the tahini and give it some holding power, the solution is a bit surprising: We stirred in 2 teaspoons of juice. You'd think that adding a liquid would thin tahini rather than thicken it.
Should tahini be runny or thick? ›
Cook's Tip: Use only a little bit of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Generally, tahini sauce should have a runny, salad dressing-like consistency. But, if you prefer tahini more as a dip, simply use less water.
The seeds continue to 'cook' even when taken off the heat, so be careful not to over toast them. Transfer the cooled toasted seeds to a food processor (ideally 600W or more) and blend for 5 - 7 minutes**. The key to smooth and runny tahini is to give it time, so keep blending.
Why is my tahini seizing? ›
Tahini seizes when mixed with liquids such as must-have fresh lemon juice. In cooking, seizing means the smooth liquid (tahini, or melted chocolate) gets stiff and clumpy.
Is tahini heavy on the stomach? ›
It's easy on your tummy – Sesame seeds provide many nutrients, but it is difficult for the body to absorb them due to their hard outer layer (hull). In the paste form, tahini allows the body to better absorb the nutrients they provide.
Does tahini thicken hummus? ›
Let the food processor run for 4 to 5 minutes, to help make the hummus fluffy and smooth (don't skip this step!). Add in extra tahini and water in 1/4 cup increments, if you would like your spread to be thicker and creamier.
What does tahini replace in baking? ›
Substitute butter with tahini in cookies
No more last-minute grocery runs when you're rushing to make cookies for a bake sale. Use tahini instead of butter in chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal raisin cookies. Replace every ½ cup of butter with a ½ cup of tahini and 1 tablespoon of water.
What else can you do with tahini? ›
Here are eight simple ideas for making the most out of the next can of tahini you purchase.
- Dip raw veggies in it. ...
- Spread it on toast. ...
- Drizzle it on falafel. ...
- Use it to make Tarator sauce. ...
- Dress your salad with it. ...
- Make a double sesame burger. ...
- Stir it into soup. ...
- Have main course baba ganoush.