A.K.A

sesame paste

它是什么？

A paste made of ground sesame seeds, tahini has a rich, nutty flavor that helps to amplify the flavors of other foods. Tahini gives Middle Eastern dips like baba ghanouj (eggplant dip) and hummus (chickpea dip) their wonderfully rich and creamy qualities, and it’s full of B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

没有吗？

Peanut butter or other nut butters can sometimes be used in place of tahini, but the flavor will be different. Asian sesame paste, which has a darker, roastier flavor, can also substitute.

How to choose:

Imported and domestic tahini is sold in cans and jars at natural-foods stores and some supermarkets (look in the international or natural-foods section or next to the peanut butter). A good domestic brand to look for is Joyva, made in Brooklyn, New York.

How to prep:

Most commercial tahini is made without added emulsifiers, so the oil usually separates from the solids, as natural peanut butter tends to do. If you have time, let the container sit upside down on the counter overnight and gravity will remix the tahini for you. Otherwise, put the separated tahini in a food processor and blitz it until smooth.

How to store:

Tahini keeps almost indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark cupboard. It doesn’t require refrigeration (sesame oil, unlike other nut oils, is high in antioxidants), although you can keep it in the fridge if you like (just let it return to room temperature before using).

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Recipes

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  Recipe

  Tahini Chocolate Icebox Cake

  Nutty, slightly bitter tahini makes a good foil for chocolate wafers. You’ll be tempted to make the sesame brittle year-round; a package of this crunchy, sweet treat makes a great…

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  Recipe

  Lemony Eggplant Dip

  This spin on classic baba ghanoush amps up the citrus flavor. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crackers.

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  Recipe

  Double Chocolate-Tahini Skillet Cookie

  Tahini (sesame paste) adds a welcome savory element to this brownielike cookie.

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  Recipe

  Preserved Lemon Tahini Sauce

  Mild sesame tahini sauce gets a kick of savory flavor from white miso and some briny, pickled notes from preserved lemons. Use as a dip for falafel, or spread on…

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  Recipe

  Harissa-Almond Hummus

  This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.

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  Recipe

  Cumin-Coriander Hummus

  This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.

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  Recipe

  Mint-Feta Hummus

  This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.

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  Recipe

  Cilantro-Pepita Hummus

  This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.