How to Make Tahini

Watch more Middle Eastern and Far Eastern Cooking videos: howcast.com/videos/353475-How-to-Make-Tahini

Add a Middle Eastern flair to your next party by spreading tahini paste on bread or serving tahini sauce with pita wedges. These tasty sesame sides can be made at home in just a few steps.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Bake sesame seeds for 8-10 minutes
Spread the sesame seeds on the baking tray and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and light brown. Shake the tray frequently while baking to keep the seeds from burning.

Tip
Store extra sesame seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or in the freezer for up to a year.

Step 3: Allow seeds to cool
Allow the seeds to cool completely.

Step 4: Process seeds and oil in a blender
Add the seeds and oil to the blender and process for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a smooth paste consistency.

Tip
Add an additional quarter cup of oil if you want your paste to be less thick.

Step 5: Store in airtight container in the refrigerator
Use the rubber spatula to transfer the paste to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Your tahini will keep for 3 months in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Add garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make tahini sauce
Add lemon juice, a minced garlic clove, salt, and water to ½ cup of your paste, and blend it to make tahini sauce.

Tip
Use more water to further reduce the sauce.

Step 7: Serve sauce with pita wedges or carrot sticks
Serve your tahini sauce with pita wedges or carrot sticks.

Did You Know?
The children's television show Sesame Street first aired on public television stations on November 10, 1969. Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Grover, and Oscar were among the original cast.