Making homemade tahini is easy and only takes minutes. This sesame seed paste is high in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. You only need 2 ingredients!
What is tahini sauce made of?
The main ingredients are sesame seeds. Oil can be added to help them easier come together and achieve the thickness you like.
You can try making it without the oil first and it only when you feel that the paste is not coming together.
This homemade tahini has oil in it as well.
How to make tahini sauce
You will need a food processor or blender. The more powerful the blender, the better. Also, if you have a large machine (like Vitamix), I recommend doubling this homemade tahini recipe.
Toasted sesame seeds are processed with little oil until you get a smooth paste. Now some of you may get smoother/thinner/creamier paste than others. This will depend on your machine and the length of processing.
It takes me about 8-10 minutes to make homemade tahini. I stop the blender/processor several times during the process and scrape down the thick paste from sides so everything blends evenly. This also prevent your machine from overheating (especially the less powerful ones).
When ready, pour it into a jar and seal with a lid.
Use it to make all sorts of flavored hummus recipes (try Roasted Beet Hummus), baba ganouch, dressing, turn it into a dip ….
This: 8 ways to use tahini article might help you find more uses for this sesame seed paste.
Is it cheaper to make your own tahini?
Yes, it is. Sesame seeds are relatively cheap. If you can, buy them in bulk and keep them in the freezer until ready to use.
I am using extra virgin olive oil to make this homemade tahini and for some it might be expensive. However, to make it, you only need a little so it will still come cheaper than the shop-bought tahini.
Plus, there won’t be any preservatives, colorants ….
Does tahini need refrigeration?
Yes
How long does homemade tahini last?
It can last several months, if stored properly in the fridge. I like storing it in a sealed jar. If you think it smells or tastes rancid, don’t use it anymore.
Tips for making homemade tahini
- I buy toasted sesame seeds as that is what I can get in my local store. You can toast them yourself in a skillet. Make sure to stir regularly to prevent them from burning. Toasting sesame seeds at home will intensify the tahini flavor but if you can’t or don’t want to do it, that’s completely fine.
- You might need more or less time to make the paste/sauce. This will depend on how powerful your blender/food processor is. Also, the longer you process the seeds, the creamier the texture.
- If your processor struggles with processing the seeds, add more oil. Some machines are powerful enough and no or little oil is needed.
- Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice here but cooking olive oil can also be used. Other great alternatives are sesame or peanut oil.
Homemade Tahini
Ingredients
- 1 cup Toasted Sesame Seeds , see note 1
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil , see note 2
Instructions
- In a food processor/blender, process the seeds until they look like crumbs. Add olive oil and process until creamy.
- This may take from 5-10 minutes. During this time, I recommend turning the machine several times and scraping the paste from sides so that everything blends evenly.
- When ready, pour into a jar and seal. Store in the fridge.
Notes
- If you can’t buy toasted sesame seeds, you can dry-toast them yourself in a pan (stir regularly). Allow them to cool down before processing.
- Extra virgin olive oil can be substituted with cooking olive oil, sesame oil or peanut oil.
- The prep time may vary. This will depend on how powerful your blender/processor is.
- When using a large food processor/blender I recommend doubling the recipe.
- For more information and tips, I recommend having a look at the whole post.
- Tahini can last several months when stored properly.
Veena Azmanov says
Thanks for your recipe. This Tahini paste looks so creamy and rich. Great option for use in many dressing and salad and toppings too.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
You are welcome!
Toni says
This is amazing!! A new staple in my house!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Yay! :)
Liz says
I had never even considered making my own tahini but this recipe is perfect! My hummus is going to be NEXT LEVEL!
Stephanie says
Wow. I can’t believe how easy this sounds to make. I love using tahini in dressings and hummus so I definitely need to put this recipe on the to do list.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Let me know what you think!
Valentina says
I love all things sesame — especially tahini. Such a great post to have on hand. I love having a jar of this deliciousness at the ready at all times.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
:)
Jennifer says
Love this recipe for tahini!!!! So simple to make!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
That’s great to hear, Jennifer!
Jo Chapman says
I haven’t made the tahini yet, but I’m ready. I wondered if I could use toasted sesame oil. One recipe specifically said not toasted which doesn’t make sense to me. Plus I have a nice bottle of toasted sesame oil, but I do have extra virgin olive oil, too.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Jo. I would recommend using the olive oil as it is healthier than sesame oil. As this is a recipe that you don’t cook and eat as is, you want to use the best ingredients. Hope this helps.