Tahini

middle eastern · sesame seeds · condiment · nutty

Sesame seeds smashed. Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds into a smooth, creamy paste. The seeds can be roasted or raw, though roasted ones are more popular because they taste richer and nuttier.

Two kinds exist. Hulled tahini (made from seeds without their outer shell) is milder and creamier, while unhulled tahini keeps the seed's shell and tastes a bit bitter but has extra nutrients like calcium.

Flavors from the Middle East. Tahini comes from countries around the Mediterranean and Middle East, where people have been making it for thousands of years. It's a staple ingredient in many classic dishes.

Uses everywhere. You can eat tahini by itself, drizzle it on salads as a dressing, or use it as a main ingredient in hummus (chickpeas and tahini), baba ghanoush (eggplant dip), or halva (a sweet dessert).

Packed with good stuff. Tahini is full of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it a nutritious addition to meals.