A middle eastern pantry essential, tahini is the foundation for many middle eastern recipes, including like baba ganoush and, most notably, hummusthough its uses extend far beyond just those two common recipes. Although you can buy premade tahini at a number of grocery stores (though, in some areas, you might have to visit a middle eastern grocer), it can be pricey. Additionally, jarred tahini doesn't always taste as good because it's been sitting on the shelf for such a long time. It might taste bitter, astringent, or even slightly acidic and have a chalky mouthfeel. Good tahini, on the other hand, tastes slightly nutty, savory, and has a creamy texture. Luckily, tahini is incredibly easy to make at home. Additionally, if you're able to find sesame seeds in bulk bins, which is often the case at international markets or a natural foods store, making your own tahini is inexpensive. If the grocer has various types of sesame seeds (hulled, unhulled, sprouted, toasted, etc. ), try out a variety of them for different flavors, colors, and textures in your tahini. The process of blending the seeds will take just 5 minutes, and then you can use this homemade tahini in your own hummus recipe or whip up a tahini-based sauce for a middle eastern dish.
