What is Tahini Paste? Plus 5 Great Ways to Use It!

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If you’re asking “what is tahini paste” then you have come to the right place, and in this post you will find out all it’s amazing health benefits, plus 5 great ways to use it too.

Tahini will be of great benefit to you on your plant based eating plan, due to the fact it is crammed full of the specific nutrition a plant based eater requires. It’s easy to use makes such a great addition to so many meals and snacks.

You would usually buy tahini in a jar (a bit like you would nut butters as it is very similar) and it can be used in a very similar way too.

What is tahini made from?

Tahini is basically made from one main ingredient which is ground down sesame seeds. You can usually buy light or dark versions, the difference being the light is made from hulled sesame seeds to make a creamier tasting version. The dark is made form un-hulled seeds, giving it a nuttier taste.

The un-hulled versions are more of a ‘whole’ food, meaning it will naturally have more nutrition and fibre, therefore making it more healthful.

Tahini Nutritional Profile

Tahini paste is full of healthy fats and nutrition and is well worth adding to your diet. You can use it in a myriad of ways, including homemade hummus, sauces, in baking and in salad dressings.

One tablespoon of tahini has the following nutritional profile:-

  • FAT – 8 grams
  • PROTEIN – 3 grams
  • CARBOHYDRATES – 3 grams
  • CALORIES – 89
  • FIBER – 2 grams
  • COPPER – 27% of RDA
  • SELENIUM – 9% RDA
  • PHOSPHORUS – 9% RDA
  • CALCIUM – 5% RDA
  • IRON – 7% RDA
  • ZINC – 6% RDA

Sesame seed health benefits

sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are usually cheap and abundant and they also contain a myriad of benefits that most people are unaware of. Honestly, if you knew how nutritious this little seed really is you would probably make an effort to include it in your diet more often.

These wonderful benefits include:-

  • HIGH FIBER – About 12 grams per 100 grams to be precise. Fibre is vital for keeping the digestive tract healthy by dragging impurities from your system and keeping your body detoxified.
  • HIGH IN PLANT BASED PROTEIN – Sesame seeds are a great protein provider and come in at about 18 grams per 100 grams.
  • BONE HEALTH – Due to their high amounts of calcium, sesame seeds can be fantastic for helping keeping bones and teeth strong. 30 grams of un-hulled sesame seeds provides 22% of your daily calcium needs, which is why they are such a great addition to a plant based diet. However, the calcium is in the hull, so un-hulled do not have the same effect!
  • HIGH IN B-VITAMINS – Sesame seeds, both hulled and un-hulled, are high in many B-vitamins which are needed for energy, brain function, regulation of the central nervous system, appetite, digestion, eyesight, and the growth of your red blood cells.
  • BLOOD CELL FORMATION – Sesame seeds are high in iron and copper, both of which are needed for producing the red blood cells that contain hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen from your lungs around you body).
  • HELPS STABILISE BLOOD SUGAR – Due to their high protein and fat content sesame seeds help to keep your blood sugar stable. This in turn means LESS cravings for refined carbohydrates, sugars and junk foods in general. So great on a weight loss diet in moderation.
  • ANTIOXIDANT RICH – Sesame seeds are high in those amazing anti aging antioxidants (particularly vitamin E). We all know, love and need this antioxidant order to stay looking good on the outside, and of course more importantly, on the inside. Antioxidant rich foods in general help to neutralise aging free radical damage in the body.
  • MAY HELP SUPPORT IMMUNITY – Due to their high amount of nutrients crucial to your immune system which include vitamins B6 and E, plus the other nutrients selenium, iron, copper and zinc.
  • MOOD BOOSTER – The high selenium content of sesame seeds makes them a potential mood booster alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan. But boosting mood also needs a variety of other factors that involve a healthy diet in general with lots of living, plant based foods.

How to use Tahini Paste

If you possibly can, it’s always good to go for the dark tahini as it’s higher in nutrition. Better still if it’s organic and raw too!

Many people have never discovered the delights of this amazing seed, mostly due to not having any idea how to use it.

As it’s similar to a nut butter it means you can use it in the same ways also, though be aware it does have a different taste. Use in your baking of cookies and cakes as a whole foods fat, to salad dressings or just as a nut butter substitute in sandwiches or on toast.

Examples of how to use tahini:-

1. AS A SPREAD

Spread your tahini on toast, crumpets, rice cakes, oatcakes or sourdough and you have the makings of a filling snack, breakfast or lunch.

One of our favourite go-to lunches is a slice of spelt sourdough toast spread with tahini, sliced avocado, grated carrot, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Really filling, low GI, and has the added bonus of having lots of high fibre, nutritious, raw ingredients in it.

2. ADD TO SMOOTHIES

Just like you would add any other nut butter to your favourite smoothie, you can also do the same with tahini. It just makes a smoothie taste much creamier and more filling. Plus, gives it a great boost of whole and healthy fats, extra protein, and an intense hit of nutrition to boot.

3. MAKE EXTRA CREAMY NUT MILK

It’s so simple to make your own nut milk. Adding a spoonful of tahini to your homemade milks will add a delicious, creamy texture and make it more filling. Great for plant based kids!

Here’s this quick recipe for a creamy nut milk using either almonds or cashew nuts. You can add your tahini to these.

METHOD

  • Soak 200 grams of almonds or cashew nuts overnight. Start out by putting hot tap water on them to get them going. They will ideally swell up to about double their size, which will be easier on your blender.
  • For every cup of soaked cashews you will need about 3 cups of water, depending on how thick and creamy you want your milk.
  • Add your nuts and filtered or spring water to a good quality blender. Add a couple of dates for a tiny bit of sweetness (optional).
  • Wizz up for 30 seconds.
  • Strain with either a sieve or muslin cloth. A muslin cloth will do a better job at getting any bits out, but I have yet to invest in one yet.
  • Finally, add a tablespoon of tahini paste and give one more quick blast in the blender.
  • Bottle and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

4. AS A SAUCE

There’s an amazing sauce that we make a lot in my house to add to all sorts of dishes. It goes especially well with roasted vegetables and quinoa and completes the dish nicely. But, I’m sure you could use it for any other purpose you desire. Even a salad dressing if you make it thinner.

It has the following ingredients that are all extremely healthy in their own right too:-

INGREDIENTS

  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Lemon juice
  • Tahini paste
  • Maple syrup, date paste, or agave nectar
  • Raw garlic
  • Fresh ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

  • Using a pestle and mortar, grind 2 cloves of garlic with a thumb size piece of fresh grated ginger and a little salt to a paste.
  • Add the juice of half a lemon, 1 large tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener to taste and grind into a thick sauce. You may need to add a little olive oil or lemon juice to get it to your desired consistency. Or amend the other ingredients slightly to your own taste buds. But end result should be tangy and delicious.

5. HUMMUS 

Perhaps one of tahini’s most famous uses is in the Greek dish hummus. Another delicious, high protein, cheap and easy snack in itself due to the fact it is made from nutritious chickpeas that are just SO versatile.

It’s really very easy and much more tasty to make your own hummus when you know how. You just need a food processor and that’s it! This is a favourite recipe that we use for dipping vegetable crudites and poppadoms.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 x can or jar of pre-cooked chickpeas (feel free to make your own if you prefer).
  • 2-3 tablespoons of the juice your chickpeas come in – do not throw this away!
  • Half a fresh lemon
  • 1 x tablespoon of tahini paste
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic depending on how garlicky you like your hummus
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of paprika to top with

METHOD

  • Basically, add all your ingredients to a food processor and whizz on a high setting to desired consistency. I like to keep mine a little lumpy for texture, but if you like it smooth then just keep whizzing.
  • You may need to add more water, garlic, lemon, salt or pepper to get the taste you like. It’s trial and error to get it how you like it, so start off with less and add as you go.
  • Stores in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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10 thoughts on “What is Tahini Paste? Plus 5 Great Ways to Use It!”

  1. Hi Stefanie,
    Great information on tahini paste!! I use it all the time in my homemade hummus, just adds the perfect touch, it wouldn’t be the same without it. I am into healthy eating also and have done so for over 15 years and wouldn’t have it any other way. I really love the whole context of your website….very informative!! Keep up the great work!!

    1. Thanks so much Maryanne!

      You are a lady after my own heart, as I have been into health foods for a very long time too, and could never go back to my old ways. I really believe that a lot of people who have eaten a certain way their whole lives have no idea what it really feels like to feel amazing. The kind of amazing and aliveness that only food can give you; and that’s the very reason for this website, to raise awareness.

  2. I just read an article somewhere that explained what selenium is. I’d never heard of it before. Now I’m just learning about tahini paste. It sounds amazing! I have a bottle of toasted sesame seed oil that I haven’t used. It was a gift. Is this good for cooking? Thank you for this informative article!

    1. Hi Cathy,
      Yes, selenium is crucial for good mood. I think walnuts and Brazil nuts are the highest selenium plant foods so I usually try to eat a couple of handfuls of them a week to help keep me happy haha.

      As for the sesame oil, by all means use it! If it’s the toasted kind then this is the one that is used in Chinese cooking that gives it that distinctive flavour, therefore you will find it goes best in stir-fry’s. If you use it in any other kind of dishes you may find it too strong!

  3. This is a very informative post, I really like the way you enunciated the about what is tahini paste, its benefits and usage. I have quick question: I have heard that Tahini has a high fat content, it has a high number of calories, and a large proportion of people with tree nut allergies are also likely to be allergic to sesame seeds. So is moderation advised for the best health benefits? Would love to hear your views on this ?

    1. Hi, and thanks for your comment. You have made a very valid point actually. Many people are indeed allergic to nuts and seeds and I will make sure I amend this post to cover that issue.

      Yes, tahini is full of fat, but it’s a healthy fat that is also in it’s ‘whole’ form due to the seeds being pulped down with all their fibers and other natural parts. Like with everything, you need to eat in moderation, especially if you don’t wish to gain weight. A fat is still a fat after all.

      But, the reason I love tahini the most is because of it’s high calcium content, and when you’re eating a plant based diet as I am it is very crucial to make sure you consume high calcium foods for bone health.

  4. Hi, Stefanie,

    I had never heard of tahini, but it looks like it’s something we should incorporate into our diets. Thanks for sharing such excellent ideas to try it.

    I consume sesame seeds but I didn’t know about all their properties. I knew they are a good source of natural fats, but that was it. I will try to consume it more often.

    Thanks for sharing.

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