Raw tahini is a creamy, oily, and smooth paste derived solely from sesame seeds without any roasting involved. This gives raw tahini a slightly milder and different flavor profile compared to its roasted counterpart. It’s a fundamental component in recipes like hummus and baba ganoush and can also be used in dressings, sauces, and even desserts due to its versatile, nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: ~595
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 53g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 0.3g
- Fiber: 11.8g
- Calcium: 426mg
- Iron: 8.95mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand, specific processing methods, and type of sesame seeds used.)
Ingredients: 100% ground hulled sesame seeds. Some commercial versions might include salt or other preservatives.
What it is good for:
- Providing a rich, nutty flavor to dishes.
- Serving as a base for many sauces and spreads.
- Offering a source of healthy fats, primarily unsaturated.
- Being rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
- Offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Use:
- Blend into hummus or baba ganoush.
- Drizzle over salads or roasted vegetables.
- Use as a base for dressings or sauces.
- Incorporate into desserts for a nutty flavor.
- Mix with honey or maple syrup for a sweet spread.
Recipe Idea – Tahini Lemon Dressing: Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water (more or less for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Slowly add water, whisking continuously, until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Use as a dressing over salads, roasted veggies, or as a dip.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Keto (in moderation due to carb content)
- Paleo
Note: Due to its high fat content, tahini is calorie-dense, so portion control might be important for those monitoring calorie intake. Always check the label for added ingredients, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are looking for a purely natural product.
