This super easy tahini sauce is rich, creamy and so versatile!
Tahini sauce is a delicious, healthy Mediterranean sauce that’s simple to make and is loaded with tangy flavor. It’s healthy and really versatile. Not only can you make it as a sauce, but you can also make it as a dip or dressing. My version has a Greek twist, but can easily be made vegan like basic tahini sauce.
Let’s go over the ingredients:
- Tahini paste
- Garlic
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Warm water
- Fresh parsley
- Plain yogurt (optional)
- Pinch of ground sumac (optional)
- Salt, to taste
What is Tahini paste?
Tahini paste is the paste made by grinding sesame seeds. It’s a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It has a strong nutty flavor and can be eaten by itself or used as an ingredient for dips and sauces. Outside of tahini sauce, it’s most commonly known as the main ingredient for hummus.
You’ll probably find it in the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern section at the grocery store or with the nut butters. However, I have found it in the health food sections before.
When you buy tahini paste in the store, the oil separates from the paste and rises to the top. Be sure to carefully open the jar and stir it really well before using it.
My Greek Twist
Basic tahini sauce does not include yogurt. You can leave the greek yogurt out if you don’t have it on hand or if you want a vegan tahini sauce. However, I urge you to make it with greek yogurt. You won’t be able to make tahini sauce without it again. The greek yogurt gives the tahini sauce a beautiful creamy texture that can’t be accomplished without it.
Thick or thin tahini sauce?
Thick tahini sauce is great if using as a sandwich spread. Thinner tahini sauce is great for drizzling over foods or as a dressing. It’s all up to you! Add as much water as you need to get it to the consistency that you want. You can even add a little more greek yogurt for more tangy creaminess.
When you’ve reached the consistency you’re looking for, taste it for seasoning. Add more lemon juice and/or salt. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. I like to sprinkle some sumac over the sauce for another touch of color.
Try it on my sumac chicken rolls, falafel, or even as a dip with vegetables. There are so many different ways to use it.
Enjoy!
TAHINI SAUCE
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 - 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-3 heaping tablespoons plain yogurt (optional)
- warm water
- fresh parsley
- pinch of ground sumac (optional)
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Stir the tahini paste well before measuring it. The oil tends to rise to the top of the container.
- Place the tahini paste in a mixing bowl along with the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix well.
- The mixture will begin to thicken and sieze up. Don't worry!
- Grate the garlic into the sauce and add enough warm water to mix it into a smooth paste. Add as much water as you like to achieve your desired consistency. Thick tahini sauce is great if using as a sandwich spread. Thinner tahini sauce is great for drizzling over foods or as a dressing.
- When desired consistency is reached, taste for seasoning. Add more lemon juice and/or salt.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle some sumac over the sauce and serve.
- Enjoy!
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