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Tahini, the creamy sesame paste, is much more than just an ingredient for classic hummus. This nutrient-rich food can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, enriching not only dips and spreads but also salads, main dishes, and even desserts. In this blog post, we'll explore the versatility of tahini together and learn how to incorporate it into our daily lives.

The Wonders of Sesame Paste

Tahini is a paste made from roasted and ground sesame seeds. Sesame is one of the world's oldest oil crops and has been used in cooking for millennia. Tahini is not only a key ingredient in the popular hummus but also offers many other benefits:

• Nutrient-rich: Tahini is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It's a true superfood for a balanced diet.

• Highly versatile: Beyond dips and spreads, tahini can also be used in sauces, dressings, soups, main dishes, and even desserts. Its creamy consistency and nutty flavor enrich a wide variety of dishes.

• Gluten-free and vegan: Tahini is naturally gluten-free and vegan. It is therefore perfect for people with intolerances or special dietary preferences.

• Sustainable and eco-friendly: Sesame is a hardy plant that requires little water. Sesame cultivation is significantly less taxing on the environment than many other oilseeds.

Tahini in the Kitchen: Versatile Uses

Tahini is much more than just an ingredient for hummus. Let yourself be inspired by the following ideas on how to integrate sesame paste into your everyday cooking:

Dips and Spreads

Beyond hummus, there are countless other ways to incorporate tahini into dips and spreads. Try it, for example, in Baba Ghanoush (eggplant-tahini dip), tahini-yogurt dip, or tahini-peanut butter spread.

Sauces and Dressings

Tahini gives sauces and dressings a creamy consistency and nutty flavor. Use it in salad dressings, marinades, pestos, or curry sauces.

Main Dishes

Tahini can also enhance main dishes. Try it, for example, in stir-fried vegetables, rice dishes, roasted vegetables, or as an ingredient in falafel.

Desserts

Surprisingly, tahini also works excellently in sweet dishes. Use it in cakes, pies, mousse, or ice cream to give them a creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Smoothies and Shakes

Tahini blends perfectly into smoothies and shakes. It gives them creaminess and nutritional value.

Spreads

Instead of butter or margarine, you can also use tahini as a healthy alternative on bread, rolls, or crackers.

Everyday Tahini Recipes

To help you get started in the world of sesame paste, we've prepared three delicious recipe ideas for you:

Tahini Lemon Dressing

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 2-3 tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a creamy consistency forms.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over salads, vegetables, or falafel.

Tahini Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 200 ml almond milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Put all ingredients into a blender and blend into a creamy smoothie.
2. Garnish as desired with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or fresh berries.

Tahini Cookies

Ingredients:

• 120 g tahini
• 80 g coconut oil, liquid
• 80 g maple syrup
• 150 g flour (e.g., spelt flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) with top/bottom heat.
2. Mix tahini, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl.
3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
4. Place teaspoon-sized portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 12 minutes.
5. Let cool and enjoy.

Proper storage and use of tahini

To help tahini maintain its quality and freshness for as long as possible, we recommend the following:

• After opening, tahini should be stored in the refrigerator. This way it will keep for up to 6 months.
• Before use, stir the contents well as the sesame paste tends to settle.
• Tahini can be frozen well. It's best to portion it in small jars or ice cube trays so you can thaw it as needed.
• When purchasing, look for organic quality and avoid products with additives.

With these tips, you can incorporate tahini in various ways into your daily cooking and benefit from the numerous advantages of sesame paste. Let yourself be inspired by the presented recipes and discover new favorite dishes!