How to Make Tahini Paste

Tahini (or Tahina) is a Middle Eastern pantry essential. It is the foundation for many Middle Eastern recipes like hummus and baba ghanoush.


Tahini can be prepared homemade easily or you can purchase it in the grocery store which keeps mid eastern sauces et al.
Ingredients:

• 5 cups sesame seeds

• 1 1/2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 350. Toast sesame seeds for 5-10 minutes, tossing the seeds frequently with a spatula. Do not allow to brown. Cool for 20 minutes. (Note : You can do this over gas stove too.  Simply spread out the sesame seeds over a hot tawa or a non stick flat pan.  Constantly move around the seeds for about 3-5  minutes and then cool.

2.  Pour sesame seeds into food processor and add oil. Blend for 2 minutes. Check for consistency. The goal is a thick, yet pourable texture, more like a thick smooth pouring paste. Add more oil and blend until desired consistency.

Yield: 4 cups

Storing Tahini

Tahini should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. It will keep for up to 3 months.