Tahini sauce, oh, where do I begin? It’s like the unsung hero of the culinary world, quietly elevating dishes with its creamy, nutty goodness.
I remember drizzling it over a simple salad and being amazed at how something so humble could feel so luxurious—almost like putting on your comfiest sweater on a chilly day. And the best part?
You can whip up this delightful concoction in no time, making it as indispensable as your morning coffee.
Steps
- Combine pressed or minced garlic with lemon juice in a medium bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl, pressing the garlic to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the garlic solids.
- Add tahini, salt, and cumin to the strained lemon juice, and whisk until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Gradually whisk in ice water, two tablespoons at a time, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed, and tweak the flavor with additional lemon juice or salt to taste. Your tahini sauce is now ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-to-large cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- A pinch of ground cumin
- 6 tablespoons ice water, more as needed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 840 | Total Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 980mg | Total Carbohydrates: 32g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Sugars: 2g | Protein: 23g | Vitamin D: N/A | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 680mg
FAQ
- What is the secret to a smooth tahini sauce?
- The key to a smooth tahini sauce is properly marinating the garlic in lemon juice for about 10 minutes, which helps to mellow the garlic’s flavor. Straining the garlic out of the lemon juice ensures the sauce remains smooth and the garlic doesn’t overpower the sesame flavor.
- Can I make tahini sauce without garlic?
- Yes, you can skip the garlic if you’re short on time. Simply whisk the lemon juice with the tahini, salt, and cumin to create a basic yet tangy tahini sauce.
- How can I adjust the flavor and consistency of my tahini sauce?
- To adjust the flavor, add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more salt for enhanced flavor. For a thinner consistency, gradually whisk in additional cold water.
- What are some variations of tahini sauce?
- You can create herbed tahini sauce by adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil. For a more uniform green sauce, blend the herbs with the tahini sauce using a food processor or blender.
- How should I store tahini sauce, and how long does it last?
- Store tahini sauce in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. If it thickens over time, you can whisk in more cold water to achieve the desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to a month.
Tips
- Marinate Garlic in Lemon Juice: Allow the garlic to sit in lemon juice for 10 minutes. This technique mellows the garlic’s intensity, infusing the lemon juice with a subtle garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the sesame notes.
- Strain the Garlic: After marinating, strain the garlic out of the lemon juice. Although this might seem like extra work, it ensures the sauce remains smooth and prevents the garlic from dominating other flavors.
- Use Ice Water for Creaminess: When whisking in the tahini, add ice water gradually. This helps in achieving a smooth and creamy texture as the tahini initially seizes up and then loosens into a silky sauce with enough water.
- Adjust for Taste and Consistency: Customize the sauce based on your preference by adding more water for a thinner consistency, extra salt for enhanced flavor, or additional lemon juice for a tangier taste.
Equipment
- Fine-Mesh Sieve – Useful for straining the garlic out of the lemon juice to ensure a smooth tahini sauce.
- Food Processor or Blender – Optional, but recommended if you want to make a herbed tahini sauce or are doubling the recipe. It’s also helpful for achieving a uniformly green sauce if blending herbs.
- Garlic Press – While many people might have this at home, it’s essential for pressing garlic efficiently if you don’t already own one.
