Whip Up a Flavorful Green Tahini Sauce
Welcome to my green tahini sauce recipe article. I’m Ehud, an Israeli chef, and I’m thrilled to share this delicious recipe with you. If you’re looking for an easy, healthy and flavorful dipping sauce, salad dressing or a spread, then you’re in the right place.
Tahini is a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It’s a paste made from roasted sesame seeds that have been ground into a smooth consistency. Tahini is loved for its nutty flavor and its smooth texture. You can use it as a base for sauces and dressings or as a dip for veggies or pita bread.
In this recipe, I’m taking tahini to the next level by adding fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro and brightening it up with lemon juice. The result? A creamy and tangy green tahini sauce that will elevate any dish you pair it with.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the amount of garlic or cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds. You can also swap parsley and cilantro with other herbs like basil or dill, depending on what you prefer.
This green tahini sauce is perfect for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant since it doesn’t contain any dairy products. It’s also gluten-free and keto-friendly, so you can enjoy it guilt-free!
Whether you’re making a dressing for your salad, a dip for your appetizers or a spread for your sandwiches, this green tahini sauce is sure to impress. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy way to add a touch of zest to your meals, Green Tahini Sauce is your perfect go-to recipe. This sauce is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making it a must-have in your recipe book.
One reason I am confident you will love this recipe is its unique blend of herbs and spices that deliver unparalleled flavor to any dish. The green tahini sauce gets its subtle nutty flavor from the tahini paste, while the fresh herbs – parsley, cilantro, and dill – pack a flavorful punch that will elevate any dish it accompanies. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper also come together beautifully to create a well-balanced blend of flavors that can only be described as heavenly.
But that’s not all! This Green Tahini Sauce recipe is vegan-friendly – meaning it’s perfect for anyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. Plus, all the ingredients used are readily available in your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
Whether you’re looking to add a delicious dressing to your salads, need a flavorful dip for vegetables or want to add a pop of flavor to grilled meats or fish, this Recipe can do it all! So get creative with how you use this delicious Green Tahini Sauce – from sandwich spread & pizza topping to pasta toss-ins and marinades.
With its ease of preparation and boundless uses, there is no doubt that this Green Tahini Sauce Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves good food. It’s time to indulge in the healthy and tasty world of vegan condiments –and I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Green Tahini Sauce Recipe. This recipe is a refreshing spin on a classic tahini sauce that incorporates fresh herbs and lemon juice to brighten up any dish. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or specialty food market.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Green Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of green tahini
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of water
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
For the Herb Tahini:
- 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves and tender stems (washed and dried)
- 1 cup packed fresh basil, dill or cilantro leaves (washed and dried)
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ⅓ cup tahini paste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spicy Tahini:
- 4 cups fresh cilantro leaves (about 5 bunches), stems removed, washed and dried
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the Green Goddess Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic
- Zest and juice from one large lemon (about a tablespoon each)
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ tablespoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- up to ½ cup filtered water needed to thin dressing to desired consistency
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – making the green tahini sauce! Here is how to make it:
Prep Work
Before you start making this recipe, collect all of your ingredients and make sure your herbs are washed with their stems removed. Using both fresh parsley and cilantro, coarsely chop them enough to have ⅔ cup each.
Food Processor Time
Add 1 cup of tahini paste to a food processor with 3 garlic cloves (crushed), the juice from 3 lemons, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of kosher salt. Blend all ingredients together until they become smooth and creamy.
Add Fresh Herbs
Now it’s time to add in the freshly chopped herbs (parsley and cilantro) into the food processor. Add 2/3 cup of each herb, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and blend everything for another minute or so until you get a bright green color with a thick consistency.
Mix With Water Until Desired Thickness
To get the desired thickness for your green tahini, gradually add in water, around ½ cup at a time into your food processor, getting all ingredients mixed smoothly throughout. You can also adjust and taste as you go along.
Taste, Tweak, Serve
Once satisfied with the green tahini, give it one last final taste test. If you feel it’s still missing something, don’t hesitate to go back and tweak different portions until it tastes just right.
And finally – voila! The green tahini sauce is ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Green tahini sauce is a versatile recipe that can be easily modified according to your taste preference or dietary requirements. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
– Spice Level: If you want to add more heat to your green tahini sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few drops of hot sauce. For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
– Herbs: The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any combination of fresh herbs you like. Try basil, mint, dill, or thyme instead of parsley and cilantro. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.
– Citrus: While lemon juice is the traditional acid used in tahini sauce, lime juice can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor. Orange juice or zest can also add a sweet note to the sauce.
– Oil: Olive oil is the most common oil used in the recipe, but other neutral oils like grapeseed, avocado, or canola oil can be used in its place. For a richer flavor, use toasted sesame oil instead.
– Tahini: Tahini paste is made from ground sesame seeds and has a nutty flavor and creamy texture. If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can make your own by blending toasted sesame seeds in a food processor until smooth. You can also substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you have a nut allergy.
– Vegan: This green tahini sauce recipe is already vegan, but you can make it even healthier by using water instead of olive oil and adding more fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. This way, it can also become an amazingly flavorful dipping sauce.
By being creative with these simple modifications and substitutions, it’s still possible to enjoy this delicious green tahini sauce while making sure it fits your preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Green tahini sauce is incredibly versatile, and can be served as a snack, a side, or as part of your main dish. This flavor-packed sauce is an excellent accompaniment to traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, kebab, or roasted vegetables.
Drizzle green tahini dressing over a salad for a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner option. Its tangy and fresh flavor adds the perfect balance to any salad ingredient combination.
A flavorful dipping sauce, green tahini dip can be served with pita chips, raw vegetables such as carrots, celery or cucumber slices, and crackers. Pair it up with cocktails, or even use Green Tahini as a sandwich spread for sandwiches and wraps.
As a professional Israeli chef who has mastered the art of combining flavors and textures, I recommend serving green tahini sauce at home gatherings, barbeques or outdoor picnics. Its bright green color is perfect for adding life to any dish, making it an ideal addition to your festive menus.
You could pair Green Tahini sauce recipe with a variety of sides such as grilled chicken skewers or roasted veggies like carrots and beets. The contrasting flavors make such dishes more nuanced while exuding sophistication and elegance on presentation.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, try making some lime-and-herbs-marinated chicken kebabs alongside your green tahini dressing. The marinade perfectly complements the zesty character of Green Tahini offering a teasing experience on your taste buds.
In conclusion: don’t hesitate to try this versatile green tahini recipe on your next meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The great news about this green tahini sauce recipe is that it’s not only delicious, but it also keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. You can effortlessly make the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container and always have a flavorful dipping sauce or salad dressing on hand to jazz up your meals.
To store the sauce, transfer it to a jar or a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap against the surface of the sauce to prevent air from entering, and seal with a lid. Then store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
If you find that the sauce has thickened after storing, add a little water needed to reach the preferred consistency, and give it a good stir. The water will also help refresh the flavors of citrus, herbs and garlic.
For reheating the green tahini sauce, just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before using. Once ready to serve, whisk or shake vigorously before adding to your dish.
Oh, and if you are planning on making this recipe for parties or gatherings ahead of time, you may want to consider only making half of it since it’s so easy to make fresh when needed. But hey, who’s judging? You can always make double or triple batches of this heavenly green tahini dressing – It’s so incredibly addictive!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect green tahini sauce, there are a few tips and tricks that you should keep in mind. From selecting the right ingredients to proper storage, every small detail matters in achieving a smooth and flavorful green tahini sauce.
First of all, let’s talk about the main ingredient – green tahini. It is crucial to use high-quality tahini paste for great results. I recommend purchasing a reputable brand, like Soom or Joyva, to ensure that your sauce is creamy, smooth and not too bitter.
Additionally, it is important to use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice. This will give your sauce that bright, tangy flavor that complements the nuttiness of the tahini.
When it comes to adding water to the mixture, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase until you reach the desired consistency. It’s easier to thin out a thick sauce than to thicken a runny one.
Another tip is to use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh cilantro and parsley added towards the end of blending with lemon juice can give the sauce a bright hue while boosting its flavor profile.
If you want to make it spicier, you can add some cayenne pepper or garlic cloves during blending. Just remember that a little goes a long way! You can always add more but you can’t take away.
Finally, consider letting your green tahini sauce sit in the fridge for an hour before serving for maximum flavor absorption. And don’t forget to give it a good stir before serving as separation can occur over time.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a perfectly smooth and flavorful green tahini sauce every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Before you start preparing the Green Tahini Sauce Recipe, it is important to clear any doubts or confusions regarding the recipe. In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the Green Tahini Sauce Recipe. Read on to find out some tips and tricks to make your cooking journey smoother and tastier!
What is green tahini made of?
To create a twist on traditional tahini sauce, I add some fresh herbs, lemon, spinach and pitted dates to store-bought tahini. This combination infuses the sauce with a subtle sweetness, which complements the other flavors perfectly. The result is a tasty and unique green tahini sauce.
How do you make Ottolenghi tahini sauce?
For this recipe, we’ll need some tahini paste – about 60 grams should do the trick. Next, we’ll need to add 1 ½ tablespoons of tangy lemon juice to the mix. I also recommend adding in one crushed garlic clove for some extra flavor. A pinch of salt can go a long way in bringing out the other flavors, so make sure to add it in (use your own judgement here). Finally, we’ll need 3 tablespoons of water, with an extra teaspoon or two added in as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
What do you use tahini sauce for?
Looking for versatile ways to use a luscious paste that can be dipped in, spread on, drizzled, and dressed with? Look no further! I’ve got some fantastic ideas that will make the most of this sesame-based delight. From using it in salads to burgers, soups, and sauces, the possibilities are endless. And, if you’re in the mood for a hearty main course, try adding it to your Baba Ghanoush for a rich, smoky flavor. Get ready to elevate your meals with this delicious sesame paste!
How do you use Trader Joe’s herbed tahini sauce?
This versatile sauce can be utilized in numerous ways to elevate the flavors of various dishes. It can be generously used as a dip to accompany dolmas and falafel or even used to drizzle over succulent grilled drumsticks, steamed rice, and carroty goodness. You can even take the classic burger up a notch by spreading this sauce over a Turkeyless Patty and topping it with roasted red pepper. Another excellent use of this sauce is to mix it with some apple cider vinegar and olive oil to create a creamy and tangy salad dressing.
Bottom Line
: In conclusion, the Green Tahini Sauce recipe is not only easy to make but also highly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are looking for a flavorful dipping sauce or an herb-infused salad dressing, this recipe has got you covered.
With its combination of green herbs, fresh lemon juice, and garlic cloves, this sauce recipe provides a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional salad dressings. Moreover, the use of tahini paste adds creaminess to the sauce while also providing a good source of vegan protein.
So why not give this recipe a try? The next time you are running low on salad dressing ideas or need a quick snack for your appetizer table, whip up some Green Tahini Sauce and enjoy its delicious flavors. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Green Tahini Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley, small sprigs (no stems)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, small stems (yes leaves)
- 5 -8 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup tahini paste, stirred to blend in the oil
- 3 -4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt
- cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse garlic a few times to mince; add parsley and cilantro and pulse to chop.
- Add 1/4 cup water and puree mixture (if it is not enough volume to puree you can add a tablespoon of water or a spoonful of the tahini paste).
- Place the tahini paste in a bowl and stir in the puree, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon water; it should be thinner than mayonnaise, if not, add more lemon juice or water (depending on how tart you want it).
- Taste and add salt or more lemon juice; sprinkle with cayenne pepper if desired.
- NOTE: This sauce will thicken when refrigerated, so you may wish to stir in a little water to thin out.