What Is Tahini Sauce?
Tahini sauce is a common component of many Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. Made from sesame paste, the main difference is that in Middle Eastern Tahini sauce, most of the seeds are husked so that only the inner sections of the sesame seeds are used. Asian dishes usually use the sauce with the entire sesame seed ground into a thin paste. Although sesame paste can be produced from grinding the sesame seeds, most people now make their Tahini sauce from seeds that have already been put into a paste. Does this Spark an idea?
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In Hummus
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Tahini can be a major component of hummus dishes, especially hummus bi tahini. Made from chickpeas that have been soaked and then ground into a paste, hummus is a staple of the Middle Eastern diet. Producing such a dish is very easy, requiring absolutely no cooking, simply a mixture of the foods. Follow the instructions to make your own hummus bi tahini located in Resources 1.
As a Sauce
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By adding lemon and water (and sometimes a little bit of garlic), Tahini can be used as a condiment, usually on such dishes as falafel. You will find this specialty sauce at any falafel restaurant, usually offered on the side or in a small plastic container. Simply squirt a little bit on your falafel to add a bit of flavor. Try making your own Tahini sauce by using the link in Resources 2.
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Other Uses for Tahini in the Middle East
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In the Middle East, not only is Tahini used as a condiment or as an ingredient in hummus, but it can be made to stand on its own. Following a very simple recipe, the Tahini can be blended together to make a thicker paste that can be used as a replacement for jelly or peanut butter or butter on pita bread (toasted or plain). Try making your own Tahini dip by following the directions in References 1.
Asian Sesame Paste
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Sesame in Asian countries (mostly in the Eastern Region) is slightly more bitter than what you might find in the Middle East since the seeds are not husked. The sauce can be used as a salad dressing (mixed with other ingredients like miso) and is sometimes used in noodles dishes or as a topping for vegetables. While the food is essentially similar to Tahini, it is a little bit thicker and has more of a nutty flavor. The sauce is usually made a bit thinner with water or oil in order to make it easier to use.
Where to Find It
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If you're hankering for some Tahini, you can visit your local Middle Eastern restaurant and ask for some on the side to dress your food. You can also visit your local Middle Eastern grocery store and find sesame paste primed for you to make your own Tahini sauce, dip or to grind into hummus. Asian stores (Japanese, Korean or Chinese) will likely also have sesame paste, but be aware that it will be slightly different from what you'll be using to make Tahini sauce.
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