Table of Contents
oChef » What is Tahini? Production, Types, and Uses

What is Tahini? Production, Types, and Uses

Tahini is a smooth paste made from sesame seeds, often described as the sesame equivalent of peanut butter. It is a core ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its rich, nutty flavor and oily consistency.

While it is most famous for its role in hummus, tahini is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of savory dips and sweet confections.

What is Tahini? Production, Types, and Uses

How It Is Made

The process of making traditional tahini is specific and multi-stepped. First, sesame seeds are soaked in water for a day. They are then crushed to separate the bran from the inner kernels.

To separate the parts effectively, the crushed seeds are placed in salted water. In this solution, the heavier bran sinks to the bottom while the lighter kernels float to the top, where they are skimmed off. These kernels are then toasted and ground to produce the final oily paste.

Types of Tahini

You will generally find two main types of tahini:

  • Light Tahini: This version is made from the hulled kernels. It has an ivory color and is generally considered to have the best flavor and texture.
  • Dark Tahini: This type is typically made from unhulled seeds and has a stronger, more bitter flavor profile.

Common Uses

Tahini is most closely associated with the Middle East, where it is often eaten on its own or used as a base for sauces and dips. It is a key ingredient in several traditional dishes:

  • Hummus: A popular dip made from mashed chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini.
  • Baba Ghanoush: A savory purée consisting of roasted eggplant, lemon juice, garlic, oil, and tahini.
  • Halvah: A dense, sweet confection that combines tahini with honey or cane syrup.

Substitutes

Because of its texture and nuttiness, some people find that tahini reminds them of peanut butter. If you do not have tahini on hand, you can substitute peanut butter in certain recipes. However, the flavor profile will change, so many cooks prefer to use the real thing whenever possible.

FAQ

What is the best type of tahini to buy?

According to culinary standards, the light ivory version of tahini is generally considered to have the superior flavor and texture compared to darker varieties.

What are the main ingredients in tahini?

Tahini is made primarily from sesame seeds. In the traditional production process, salt is used during the separation of the bran, but the final paste consists of the toasted, ground sesame kernels.

Can I use peanut butter instead of tahini?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter for tahini if necessary. The texture is similar, though the flavor will obviously be different.