Tahini
A smooth, pourable paste made from ground sesame seeds, usually hulled and lightly toasted, with a nutty, slightly bitter flavor.
- Baking ingredients and additives
Also called: sesame paste
Tahini is a staple of Middle Eastern cooking and the base of sesame halva. In baking it works much like a nut butter, adding richness and a savory edge to cookies, brownies, blondies, cakes and caramel. It pairs especially well with chocolate, honey, dates and banana.
The oil naturally separates and rises to the top of the jar, so stir tahini thoroughly before measuring; otherwise the first spoonfuls are runny and the last are thick and dry. Brands differ in thickness and bitterness, which can change how much a dough spreads.