So, there was a fantastic offer on tahini at the grocery store, and you’ve found yourself buying a pot. But it’s now been sitting in your cupboard for weeks, and you’re still unsure what to do with it. Tahini is not exactly the kind of thing you want to spread on your morning toast. Besides, you’re hesitant on how to accommodate its nutty flavors in your everyday meals. Can you use tahini like you would a pot of pesto and mix it with a pasta dish?
You’d be pleased to know that you’re not the only person struggling with tahini. The sesame paste has a strong nutty taste that makes it tricky to blend in your typical cooking. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it! Here are four tips to make the most of your unused tahini jar:
A comforting cashew curry pot
Tahini can add instant richness to most pot recipes. It’s like waving a magic wand at your favorite comfort food. The nuttiness of the sesame paste infuses the sauce to perfection. You can try it with white meats as it’s the perfect cashew curry dinner. However, one piece of advice before you empty the entire jar of tahini into your pressure cooker curry: Due to its rich and strong flavor, you don’t want to use more than ⅓ cup. Additionally, it’s a good idea to neutralize the umami with a little cashew milk. Adding fresh flavors such as ginger and bell pepper will cut through the richness of the sesame paste.
A fiber and protein-rich mezze meal
Ah, mezze platters are a must when you crave an uncomplicated meal. It’s all about sharing little snacks together. Start with a tabouli salad, which you can prepare in a matter of minutes with fine bulgur wheat and chopped fresh tomatoes and parsley. As a side, you can use your tahini paste in a smooth hummus recipe as hummus pairs great with tabouli. Remember to add grilled pita bread to bring everything together!
A Sunday snack for the family
Does tahini work in sweet recipes? It might sound surprising, but it does. In fact, you might even be able to spread some tahini underneath your chocolate spread for breakfast! Sesame and chocolate are a match made in heaven, so if you want to make the most of it, you should consider making your own spread. For more chocolate deliciously, try mixing it to your chocolate tartlet recipes to add an umami dimension to the snack.
In a healthy latte between friends
Can you drink tahini? Technically, yes. But, of course, it’s best to mix it with your drink. It’s a great addition to a sweet milkshake. But, where it works wonders and opens a new world of flavors is in matcha latte recipes. The natural bitterness of matcha tea is greatly improved through the nuttiness of the sesame paste. Two things that didn’t seem to go together make a magnificent beverage! You will need to add some vanilla paste to bring a sweet note to your afternoon tea.
Tahini is often associated with Asian cooking, where sesame seeds are a natural part of the dish. However, you can mix it with your western favorites to add richness to the dish. Besides, it’s the perfect call for a Mediterranean sharing platter. In short, there’s more to tahini than what meets the eye.
