Global Pantry: What is Tahini?

After making a batch of hummus, you might wonder what else you can do with that jar of sesame seed paste. Don't let it languish in the fridge (which is where you should store it, as it is high in fats that keep best chilled). For everyday use, you can blend tahini with honey and use it in place of peanut butter on your morning toast.

I like it as a silky dressing for grilled vegetables or Asian noodles. For grilled vegetables, whisk together ¼ cup each tahini and lukewarm water, and then add 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, a bit of salt, and, if you wish, some fresh mint. For noodles, whisk the tahini with an equal volume of hot water, add soy sauce and cider vinegar to taste, and toss in a generous pinch of ground red pepper, if desired.

Tahini can also be a wonderful addition to sweets, just as peanut butter is, and our Tahini Swirl Brownies are a great example.

View Recipe: Tahini Swirl Brownies