Making Your Own Tahini

By Anai Rhoads Anai Rhoads is a Human Rights journalist originally from Athens, Greece. Her work has been featured on several web based newspapers and media outlets, which include ZMagazine, MP Watch and Media Monitors. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief for AnaiRhoads.org. A dedicated vegan since 2000, she is an advocate of activities which promote animal rights. Anai currently resides on the east coast with her husband and their daughter. This is an archived Q&A. The following information might not be up-to-date.

Question: What is tahini? Where can it be purchased? Is it something I can make at home? Thank you! Mary

Answer: Tahini (pronounced tah-HEE-nee) is mostly used in the Middle East. It is basically made from ground sesame seeds. Due to its nutty flavour, it is considered ideal for dishes such as hummus.
Although tahini has a fair amount of essential fatty acids and is high in calcium, it is also up there with regards of calories. Per 100 grams of tahini, you can expect upwards of 600 calories.
It is very easy to make tahini at home. All you will need are some sesame seeds and olive oil. Coat a flat baking tray with olive oil and sprinkle the seeds. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Sesame seeds burn quickly so keep an eye on them and flip them often during the 10 minutes.
Once lightly browned, remove from oven and place them in a blender to create your tahini paste. You can add tahini to your favourite hummus, use it in a salad, spread over crackers just to name a few ideas.

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