Welcome to the simplest and easiest ways to make one of my favorite “condiments” from home! My 3-Ingredient Homemade Tahini is smooth, creamy, and comes together in just a matter of minutes. Oh, and did I mention, it only requires three unique ingredients? It’s true! Whether you love tahini in sweet dishes or more savory ones, I guarantee that you will fall in-love with this recipe!
Friends, if you’ve known me for a while, then you’ll know by now that I am the self-proclaimed tahini QUEEN. From my famous Life Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies, to my Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing, if there’s a chance to put tahini in something, I will do it. This magical little condiment is not only a staple in Middle Eastern cooking (and a nod to my Armenian heritage), but adds the perfect, salty, toasty taste to any recipe it’s in.
You can eat tahini in a more traditional way, served with falafel or kofta kebabs, or mix it up and have it in an Asian-inspired noodle dish. Whichever way YOU decide to “tahini,” you can’t go wrong. And if your preferred method is eating tahini right by the spoonful? Well, then you’re my type of person, and we’re going to get along quite well, here. 😉
What is Tahini?
Tahini (or tahina, as it’s sometimes known), is a ground “butter” or paste made from sesame seeds. It’s traditionally found in Middle Eastern recipes, and is incredibly versatile. You’ll find it in the place of mayonnaise on sandwiches, drizzled as a garnish on salads or wraps, used in the place of dairy in salad dressings, or even used alongside honey or maple syrup in desserts. When I say that almost ANYTHING can benefit from tahini, it’s true!
One of the best parts about tahini too, is that it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Because it’s made from sesame seeds, there are no nuts in it, making it a perfect options for those who are sensitive to nut butters! I personally love a thick, paste-like tahini and jelly sandwich, because it still adds that delicious, salty, nut-like flavor!
And since tahini only requires a few different ingredients, it’s super easy to make from scratch. At the grocery store, a small jar of tahini will run you about $8-$12. But with this recipe, you can make a HUGE batch of tahini for a fraction of the price!
What You Need to Easily Make Tahini From Scratch
Would you believe me if I told you that you only need three ingredients to make this tahini recipe? It’s true! You only need three easy ingredients to make this recipe come to life. When I say that it couldn’t be any easier, I truly mean it!
- Sesame Seeds: Of course, the star of tahini is the sesame seeds. It couldn’t be made without it! I recommend buying your sesame seeds in bulk, for the most cost-effective option. 🙂
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt adds the perfect flavor to your tahini!
- Oil: Oil will ensure that your tahini achieves the perfect consistency! I recommend using a neutral oil like avocado oil, or even sesame oil to really bring out that toasty, sesame flavor
How to Make This 3-Ingredient Homemade Tahini
To make this tahini, you’ll need a food processor, and unfortunately that is non-negotiable. I’ve tried to make this recipe in a blender, and it just doesn’t turn out the same. The food processor is where it’s at!
So, to make this recipe, start by adding your sesame seeds to the bowl of your food processor, and process until the sesame seeds take on a sand-like texture.
Next, add in the oil and salt and process until smooth. Taste and adjust the oil and salt as needed – if you like a more “liquidy” tahini, you can add in more oil. If you like it more paste-like, then use less. It’s all about your personal preference!
Once your tahini is done, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for 1-2 months!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx
** Photography by Gayle McLeod
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor I love this one by Cuisinart
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tablespoons Neutral Oil, I recommend using avocado oil, or even sesame oil for a more concentrated sesame flavor!
- 1 Pinch Sea Salt
Instructions
- Start by adding your sesame seeds to the bowl of your food processor, and process until the sesame seeds take on a sand-like texture.
- Next, add in the oil and salt and process until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the oil and salt as needed – if you like a more "liquidy" tahini, you can add in more oil. If you like it more paste-like, then use less. It's all about your personal preference!
- Once your tahini is done, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for 1-2 months!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!