Homemade Tahini Sauce

Homemade Tahini Sauce  

Tahini is a rich, creamy sesame paste made from toasted sesame seeds.  It has a wonderfully nutty flavor and is surprisingly easy to make at home. Homemade tahini is fresh, smooth, and often tastes much better than store-bought versions.

Tahini is an essential ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes, especially hummus, where it adds a creamy texture and distinctive sesame flavor.  Sesame-based sauces and pastes are also widely used in Asian cooking.  You can toast the sesame seeds yourself, but to save time, look for ready-toasted sesame seeds at a Korean or Asian supermarket.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Directions:

1.                        Place the roasted sesame seeds in a small food processor.  Process for about 2 minutes, or until the seeds become a crumbly, thick paste.

2.                        Add the olive oil and continue processing. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the processor so everything blends evenly.

3.                        Continue processing until the tahini becomes smooth, creamy, and easy to pour. If it seems too thick, add a little more olive oil, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

4.                        Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

5.                        Transfer the tahini to a clean glass jar with a lid.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tip: Homemade tahini can be used to make hummus, salad dressings, dipping sauces, or drizzled over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and grain bowls.