Lebanese Tarator (Arabic Tahini Sauce)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
8 ( 1¼ cup yield)
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Calories
92 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Lebanese Tarator (Arabic Tahini Sauce)
Description
Lebanese Tarator combines tahini with lemon juice, garlic paste, salt, and toasted cumin seeds for a rich, creamy sauce. The preparation involves mashing garlic with salt into a paste, then whisking it into tahini and lemon juice. Water is gradually added to reach a pourable but thick consistency, which thickens further upon standing. The toasted cumin seeds add a subtle earthy spice.
This tahini sauce works well as a dip, drizzle, or accompaniment to Middle Eastern dishes, salads, or grilled vegetables. Fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil on top give a fresh and slightly fruity finish that complements the sauce’s creamy texture.
Because it thickens over time, more water can be added when serving to adjust texture as needed. The sauce keeps refrigerated for up to a week, making it convenient for make-ahead use.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup tahini
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin seeds toasted
- ⅓ cup of water or more as needed
Optional garnishes
- extra virgin olive oil
- flat-leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the minced garlic on a cutting board, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and use the side of a knife to mash and scrape the garlic and salt together for two minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice until smooth. Add the garlic paste, cumin, and a pinch of salt, and whisk to combine.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, whisking with the tines of a fork continuously until the dressing reaches the desired consistency. Keep in mind that the dressing will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add more water later on.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or water to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
- Serve the tahini sauce immediately with olive oil and parsley to garnish, or refrigerate for up to a week until ready to use.
Notes
- For larger quantities, blend all ingredients in a blender for 90 seconds to achieve a smooth paste.
- To save time, finely mince garlic instead of making a paste, or omit garlic altogether for a milder sauce.
- The sauce will thicken upon standing; add water incrementally to maintain desired consistency when serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8( 1¼ cup yield)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 92kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 151mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 80mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 11IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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