What to do with tahini

Tahini is a very handy ingredient and can be used in many different ways.

The low-down

What is it?

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds that originates from the Middle East. It’s mainly known as a major ingredient of hummus.

Where do I get it?

Tahini can be found in the supermarket in the organic aisle, or with the chutney and pickles. You can buy it ‘hulled’ (which is lighter in colour and flavour) and ‘unhulled’ (which is darker and has a more intense flavour).

Ideas for using tahini

• Spread tahini on toast or sandwiches; it’s a great alternative to peanut butter.
• Add a tablespoon of tahini when making a salad dressing.
• To take your mash in a new direction, add a tablespoon or two of tahini and a generous sprinkle of ground cumin and sumac.
• Tahini is great added to noodles or pasta with veges, garlic, lemon and chilli.
• Make a tahini dip from yoghurt, tahini and lemon juice.
• Serve with vegetable sticks or over roasted vegetables. See our recipe Roasted butternut with tahini yoghurt.