What to do with tahini?

[kilerkki]

I've spent the morning browsing this community, and I think it's pretty safe to say I've fallen in love. You guys are so talented and creative! I feel like I shouldn't even approach you with my question, but I'm hoping that by dint of feverish reading and asking and experimenting, I will someday achieve such heights of foodie bliss

Comments

[maryormo]

Falafels! Falafels with veggies and a pita topped with tahini sauce is a wonderful thing!

[kilerkki]

I usually eat my falafel with hummous or tzatziki, but maybe I'll try it with just straight tahini. It could be interesting~

[breathbox]

well you thin it a bit w/ water and lemon juice...perhaps even a little garlic.

that said, it makes a fantastic salad dressing as well...

tahini, honey, soysauce, lemon juice, garlic, herbs...any combination thereof...yummers!

becky*

[hydrolagus]

It's a good addition to vegetarian stews--gives them a nice depth. You can also substitute it for peanut butter in a peanut butter cookie recipe, resulting in sort of halvah cookies. A local recipe makes a lemon tahini salad dressing, but I've never been able to duplicate it so I can't give you a recipe.

[bulrushbasket]

Would you just toss it in the stew and stir it around to disperse it some? That's a really interesting idea. I'm fascinated.

[hydrolagus]

I usually mix it with wine or stock before adding it to help it disperse better, since it's sometimes a bit lumpy.

[hydrolagus]

I mean local restaurant, not recipe.

[radiant_bitch]

You can use it as a base for a really good sals dressing. Other possible ingredients, depending on your tastes:
olive oil
lemon
soy sauce
garlic
oregano (dried or chopped fresh)
parsley (dried or chopped fresh)
basil (dried or chopped fresh)
chopped sundried tomatoes (chopped tiny)
Or anything you want. USe some warm water to dilute the tahini and then chuck in anything delicious. So good!

[kilerkki]

That does sound good. Next time I make salad, I will definitely have to try it.

[kilerkki]

I did try it--and it was terrific! Thanks so much for your advice.

Ingredients I chose:
tahini
warm water
olive oil
lemon juice
soy sauce
garlic salt
dried oregano
dried basil

I had it over romaine lettuce--a little different from anything I'd ever had before, but you're right. SO GOOD!

[radiant_bitch]

So glad you liked it. Put some fresh mushrooms and grape tomatoes in next time along with the romaine. FAB!

[krasota]

I used to make something like this.

You know, bulghur pilaf with tahini sauce was great way back when. I should try it with millet, brown rice, or quinoa.

[kilerkki]

That pilaf looks really good. I will have to hunt around for bulghur and try it!

[krasota]

You may find it sold as cracked wheat. :)

[meepkitty]

I found this recipe online and we really loved it, but, be warned, it is VERY filling and will cause leftovers. :)

Spicy sesame noodles
1 lb. pasta (gemelli & fusilli are our favorites)
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup sesame tahini
1/2 cup warm water
6 Tbl. (3 oz.) soy sauce
4 Tbl. (2 oz.) rice wine vinegar
2 Tbl. (1 oz.) sesame oil
2 tsp. hot oil
chopped scallions
toasted sesame seeds

Cook the pasta. While it is cooking, mix the peanut butter, tahini, water, soy, vinegar, and oils thoroughly. (This will take some work; it helps if the water is good and warm - you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to help the mixing.) When the pasta is done, drain, put in a bowl, pour on the sauce, and toss until well-coated. The scallions and seeds are optional; if desired, toss them on top.
Serve either hot or at room temperature; both work well.