When you’re stuck with a jar of tahini and you have no idea what to do with it, this tahini 3 ways post will undoubtably help! Tahini is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in anything from dips to sauces, even baked goods!
Tahini? What’s that?
Well in my humble opinion, it’s the best nut-free ingredient for the most flavorful meals and desserts! I LOVE tahini and the more I used it, the more I become obsessed with it!
But what IS tahini anyway? Tahini is basically ground sesame seeds, that comes in the form of a thick paste or cream (depending on the brand – some are runnier and some are thicker). It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used for a variety of recipes, one of the most popular being hummus.
Tahini has a very distinct flavor and on it’s own may be dissatisfying to some. But with a few tricks, tahini can quickly become a pantry staple you’ll never want to be without.
Here are a few of my favorite dishes using tahini as a star ingredient.
Tahini 3 Ways
#1: Hummus
Yep, gotta start out with the most popular of course! Most hummus recipes call for tahini and garbanzo beans/chickpeas (just Google ‘hummus recipe’), but if beans are a no-go for you, here’s a delicious Roasted Carrot Hummus recipe (paleo + Whole30 compliant) without the beans.
Click HERE to get this No Bean Roasted Carrot Hummus recipe.
#2: Dips & Sauces
Hands down my most favorite way to use tahini and it seems every time I experiment using it as a staple in dips, drizzles, or sauces, my love for this ground sesame paste just grows. Make a sweet drizzle for fruit or sweet potatoes, or a savory sauce for chicken, fish, even salads. Here’s my #1 FAVORITE tahini recipe on the planet – my The Best Paleo Whole30 Tahini Dressing.
Click HERE to get The Best Paleo Whole30 Tahini Dressing to pair with grilled chicken, fish, sautéed kale, or as a dip for raw vegetables.
Sweet additions more your thing? Then you have to try this super simple, 3-ingredient tahini maple drizzle to pair with mashed sweet potatoes, berries, bananas, or apples, or by the spoonful! I’ll even throw it on roasted veggies for a family-friendly side dish we all love.
Tahini 3 Ways: Tahini Maple Drizzle
This sweet tahini maple drizzle amps up any roasted veggie and is the perfect pairing with fresh fruit. And only 3 ingredients!
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1-2 tablespoons 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- ¼ teaspoon pure maple syrup (or more for a sweeter taste)
- water to thin out if too thick
Instructions
- Combine the tahini and pure maple syrup. Mix well
- The mixture may be very thick and paste-like. Dilute splashes of water until the mixture is thinned out and you can drizzle it
- Serve over roasted veggies, mashed sweet potatoes or fresh fruit
#3: Cookies & Baked Goods
Tahini is a wonderful ingredient to add a slightly nutty, rich flavor to cookies, brownies, and tons of other baked goods. It’s an especially awesome ingredient to use in lieu of nut butters if nut allergies are of concern. How could you possibly say no to these Paleo Hot Cocoa Cookies using simple ingredients and beloved tahini?!
Click HERE to get the recipe for these Paleo Hot Cocoa Cookies (naturally sweetened and nut free).
Or try your hand at a spiced sweet potato-based cookie with tahini for the holiday season. You can customize these Soft & Chewy Paleo Gingerbread Cookies easily!
Click HERE to get the recipe for these Soft & Chewy Paleo Gingerbread Cookies.
So there ya go – hummus, drizzles, and baked treats. But tahini doesn’t just stop there! Try experimenting with tahini in banana bread, chicken salad, topped on burgers, or in energy balls with dates and nuts!
And check out the other 1 Ingredient 3 Ways posts to get inspired to stretch your food even further.
The salad dressing is indeed fantastic and literally tastes great with everything. It’s my new favorite! Thank you so very much!