Tahini is another versatile ingredient that will add depth to flavour to dishes other than the traditional hummus. The rich nutty paste of tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, can be used quite creatively in sweet as well as savory dishes and is thus a staple in many kitchens. Enjoy these wonderful ways of using tahini in cooking.
Try tahini as a dressing for salads. Whisking together tahini with some lemon juice, garlic, and the required splash of water produces a creamy and nutritious salad dressing that pairs very well with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls, adding a unique flavor to your dish.
Tahini also makes a great dip base, and though hummus is the most popular, with tahini you can make a whole lineup of different dips by blending it with roasted vegetables like beets or carrots. It's easy enough as: Blend the tahini with the roasted veggie of your choice, some garlic, and seasoning, for a flavored dip to be scooped up with pita chips or fresh vegetables.
Another creative use for tahini is as a marinade for meats or tofu. The rich texture and flavor of tahini may complement the flavor of chicken, fish, or even plant-based proteins. Mix the tahini with soy sauce, garlic, and spices to create a tasty marinade. Let your protein in that mixture for a few hours, then grill or roast for a tasty yet tender dish.
For sweet-tooth people, tahini can be added to the dessert. Replace a part of butter in cookies with tahini for added delight to sesame flavor. Tahini cookies or brownies, also tahini drizzle over ice cream, are sufficient to give that twist in a different way to please the palate.
But the best part is: tahini also does wonders in baked goods. You can add some of it to pancake batter or muffins for a nutty flavor and extra nutrition. And just a spoonful mixed into your favorite batter may make your breakfast go that much higher up the charts.
Lastly, include tahini in smoothies. Adding one tablespoon of tahini to an average breakfast smoothie will give the ingredients a creamy texture while pumping up a healthy dose of healthy fats and protein. Banana, chocolate, or berry flavors are nice companions.
The takeaway here is that tahini can be a very multi-skilled ingredient and truly stand out in many recipes other than hummus. Whether you are dressing a salad, putting together a new dip, or whipping up a batch of cookies, tahini can take your culinary creations to a whole new level. So go ahead and give it a try and enjoy the lovely flavors it gives to your meals!