What is tahini?

Definition of tahini

Tahini is known as a thick sauce like a smooth paste, made from sesame seeds with a little oil, mixed together until the mixture becomes a certain consistency, and it resembles peanut butter in terms of texture. It is worth noting that tahini is a common ingredient in vegetarian recipes, including tahini salad and other dishes.

Tahini is found in all grocery stores and all natural food stores. It is sold in a glass container or plastic jar. It can also be obtained in powder form, and it can be moistened with water when used. On the other hand, tahini is an important ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, and many other ethnic foods, including Greek, North African, and Turkish foods. It is also a main ingredient in many recipes, such as hummus and salad. Tahini is used alongside falafel. To dip it in as a kind of appetizer.

Benefits of tahini

Tahini has many health benefits, and the benefits of tahini for the body include:

• Calories: A tablespoon of tahini contains 89 calories, and the calories increase depending on the recipe. For example, a dish of hummus with tahini contains 25 calories per tablespoon, and baba ghanoush, consisting of tahini and eggplant, contains 40 calories per serving.
• Carbohydrates and proteins: Each serving of tahini contains 3.2 grams of carbohydrates and 2.6 grams of protein.
• Vitamin Thiamin: Each serving of tahini provides sixteen percent of the necessary daily value of this vitamin, also known as Vitamin B-1. It is worth noting that this vitamin affects the performance of the nervous system and muscles. And the digestive process as well.
• Phosphorus: Each serving of tahini provides 12% of the phosphorus that an individual needs daily, as this mineral is important for the strength of bones and teeth, and it is also very important for removing waste from the kidneys. Eating tahini is an option for those who take antacids, or diuretics, which reduce The percentage of phosphorus in the body.
• Copper: The human body needs small amounts of copper in the diet every day, and tahini can provide the body with it. This mineral helps maintain the health of blood vessels and bones, improves the production of red blood cells, and affects the energy level in the body.
• Calcium: Tahini is one of the foods rich in calcium.

How to prepare tahini at home

Tahini can be made at home by following the following steps:

• Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
• Sprinkle a cup of sesame seeds on a baking sheet.
• Bake sesame seeds in the preheated oven until the seeds become fragrant.
• Stir the sesame every few minutes (10 to 12 minutes).
• Transfer the toasted seeds to a blender, add a quarter cup of olive oil or as needed, and blend until completely smooth.
• Add more oil if necessary.
• Cool the tahini and store it in a closed jar.