5 from 12 votes
How to make tahini
This tahini recipe transforms toasted hulled sesame seeds into a smooth, creamy paste often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. Roasting the seeds before grinding enhances their flavor, while optional olive oil helps achieve a desired consistency. It’s a basic homemade tahini suitable for dips, dressings, and sauces.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
7 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings:
32
Calories:
92 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 3 cups sesame seed hulled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F – or lower if you use a fan oven.
- Put the sesame seeds on a rimmed baking tray/sheet pan and spread it in a thin, even layer. Place the tray on the middle rack in the oven and toast for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven to check on the progress a few times, giving the seeds a stir and a shake whenever you do.
- Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to the bowl of your food processor (or high-powered blender) and blitz on high for 5 minutes – or until the paste is smooth. At first, the sesame seeds will resemble sand. They will then come together to form a coarse paste that eventually turns smoother.
- With the motor running, drizzle the olive oil (if using) in a stream and process for another 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add more olive oil if you want thinner and smoother tahini. It is a matter of personal preference. I try to add as little as possible to the sesame seeds, often omitting the oil entirely.
- Have patience and keep blending until your tahini is smooth. Once you are happy with the texture and consistency, transfer it to a clean glass jar, seal and transfer to the fridge. It will last for a few months. Simply give it a good stir if it starts to separate. You can also freeze tahini batches and defrost it as needed.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Toast sesame seeds evenly by checking and stirring them frequently to prevent burning.
- For smaller batches, stovetop toasting or mortar and pestle processing may be preferred.
- Use a powerful food processor or high-speed blender for a creamy and smooth tahini texture.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1tablespoon
Calories
92kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Sodium
2mg
(0%)
Potassium
66mg
(1%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
0.04g
(0%)
Vitamin A
1IU
(0%)
Calcium
137mg
(14%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 32 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1tablespoon | |
| Calories | 92kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 66mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 0.04g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 137mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.