Authentic, ultra creamy and salty tahini sauce or tahini dip. Learn how to make rich classic Middle Easten tahini sauce.
This authentic,creamy, rich super delicious tahini sauce pairs very well with almost anything in this world!!, use it as a healthier alternative to mayo in sandwiches, specially falafel, foul and shawarma. We use it to accompany our grilled meats and also with seafood dishes, or you can use it as a dip with your favorite veggie sticks, it is simply one of today's culinary wonders.
Tahini sauce
Tahini sauce is like hummus, or even more popular and widely used in the Middle East than hummus dip. It is somehow always there for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even snack.
There are many tahini recipes out there most of them include lime juice, garlic and salt. I find my recipe, which I am going to share with you here is the authentic one because it has coriander in it. Coriander is a key ingredients in this recipe- at least for me as this is the recipe I grew up tasting in Egypt.
In Ramadan and at the time just before we break our fasting and eat, when we are rushing to get everything ready on the table, we take a little break and hear some of the sweetest Quran reciters voice. Which brings back good memories of Ramadan and the happiness that we felt, as kids, that we are about to eat yaaaay.
One day my eldest told me, oh mom I love this, it reminds me so much of Egypt and Ramadan time. I was so happy to hear those words from him, aaah expats life 😂. Really, I am happy when I hear such things, one of them one day told me this reminds me when we are in summer at granma's house and eating so and so and I was very pleased, they are making memories and I believe that memories are the most precious thing and it is the key, the elixir that makes us able to go on and continue living this life with its ups and downs.
Tahini sauce shows up a lot during the holy month of Ramadan, no banquet is perfect without it and you know what? 3 years ago one of my kids was just in the first grade , when he had a project that each one of them should write and draw about his favorite holiday. My kid wrote about Ramadan and he included a description of the tahini sauce and pickled green olives pickles, he did not know the names of the dishes, so his teacher asked me " Is this some kind of holy food you eat at this month?" it was hilarious, then when I explained what he meant she burst in laughter 😃.
Tahini sauce FAQs
Tahini sauce is made from tahini paste, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and spices. This traditional sauce is served throughout the Middle East countries.
Tahini sauce should be rich, creamy with a hint of tanginess and a little bit salty.
Tahini sauce is rich in omega3. It contains copper, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc. It is said that tahini can help promote brain and heart health and also strengthen your bones. Source.
How to make authentic tahini sauce?
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Making tahini sauce is easier than you thin, it literally takes 5 minutes.
- Add ingredients
In the bowl of small food processor/blender or a food chopper, add tahini paste, vinegar, lemon juice, water and spices. Blend until well combined.
- Add garlic and add ons
Transfere mixture to a bowl, add minced garlic and any other optional add ons like onions, chili peppers... ect.
What do you eat tahini with?
- Use it as a veggie dip.
- Scoope with pita bread or chips.
- Spread for sandwiches, cheese, burgers, falafel, ful.. etc.
- Serve it on the side with fish or shrimp.
- Serve it with your grilled meats like beef kebabs, kofta, chicken kebabs...etc.
- Use it as a salad dressing.
Tahini sauce note
One last thing, one of my friends here once made it with just a tablespoon of coarsely chopped onion, and I found it added a new depth to my sauce, so this is optional, if you do not like it then by all means skip this little addition.
Tahini sauce recipe
An authentic recipe for making rich and creamy tahini dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini paste.
- 1/4 cup water - plus or minus depending on your preferred sauce thickness.
- 2 Tablespoon white vinegar.
- 2 teaspoon lime juice.
- 2 garlic cloves- minced.
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt - or to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin.
Optional
- 1 Tablespoon coarsely chopped onion.
- For garnishing: olive oil and any or all of coriander/cumin/red pepper flakes….
Instructions
- In your processor add all the ingredients except for the garlic and the onion if using.
- Mix well until everything is well combined.
- Pour contents in a bowl, add garlic, onion and mix.
- If serving in bowls, add a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle some coriander/cumin or red pepper flakes on top.
- Serving suggestions: as a dip with pita bread/chips or use it instead of mayo in many sandwiches specially falafel and foul, serve alongside seafood dishes or with grilled meat/chicken.
- Enjoy!!!
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First published March 2016 . Last updated May 2019 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.
Hi Amira, how long does this dip last in the fridge? Can I freeze it?
Thanks for your lovely recipes
This was sooo good. My falafel salad was delicious!
Angie, this is lovely, I am happy you liked it.
What is the real name for this? I cannot find it anywhere online. There must be a name ( like tzaziki is cucumber yogurt sauce). 🙂
Lili, you mean the Arabic name? it is "سلطة طحينة". I hope this helps.
Wow ... This is SO good! It's the best recipe yet that I've found for any tahini type sauce. My husband LOVES it! Thank you so much for posting the recipe. This will now be my go-to 🙂
OOh Sharon, thank you so much for your sweet comment... I am so happy that your hubby likes it 🙂 .
Ooo, this looks so good! It's been way too long since I have had a nice creamy tahini dip! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!