Tahini (a.k.a) Liquid Gold

This is SUSU’s step by step guide, along with a Q+A and some extra tips you may find when you scroll down. So let’s start

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• click on picture for a youtube video guide

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TAHINI PASTE - STEP 1

There are numerous options available to buy ready Tahini paste (or base). SUSU personally prefers and suggest purchasing Tahini paste to a home-made version. The quality of the sesame seeds combined with the specially made stones used to grind the

sesame seeds into a paste, are second to non, and simply cannot be imitated in a home-made version. Please find SUSU’s recommendations and links for Tahini paste manufacturing boutiques below. That said, just in case you would prefer to make it yourself, here’s an easy recipe;

• Serving 2 Cups = 16oz

• Cuisine Gluten free, Vegan

• Freezer(ish)? Yes. Upto 3 months

• Good for Upto 4 weeks

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INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cups hulled sesame seeds

*Please see below a more detailed exploration of the seed known as ‘Sesame’

• 2-3 Tbs grapeseed oil (or other neutral vegetable oil).

NOW WHAT...

1. Preheat oven to 350’ F (176’ C), arrange sesame seeds on a baking sheet and bake for 10min or until golden.

2. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5min.

3. Pour seeds into a blender, blend seeds while gradually adding oil until mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

4. Pour into a jar or sealed container and refrigerate for upto 4 weeks.

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TAHINI - STEP 2

Now that we have the Tahini paste (base), let’s see how we can turn it into Tahini sauce or better known as… ‘Liquid Gold’.

• Serving 2 Cups = 16oz

• Course Sauce / Dip

• Cuisine Gluten free, Vegan

• Freezer(ish)? No.

• Good for Upto 1 week

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole head garlic peeled

• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice from 3 to 4 lemons (160ml)

• 1 cup tahini paste (about 10oz or 300 grams)

• 6-8 ice cubs (or very cold water)

• 1 Tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 Tsp (2grams) freshly ground cumin (optional)

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Why blending the garlic...

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1. Combine garlic and lemon juice in a blender. Pulse until pulp puree is formed (about 15 short pulses). Let sit for 10 min.

2. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and set for a large bowl. Press as much liquid as you can using the back of a spoon or rubber spatula.

3. Discard the garlic, keeping only the lemon infused garlic liquid for later use.

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NOW WHAT...

Let’s make some liquid gold…

You may execute the next step using a bowl and a whisk or large fork, however for best result, use a blender.

1. Combine tahini paste, garlic lemon juice and ice cubes.

2. Turn blender on (highest speed possible).

3. Add more ice cubes or water to get desired texture or creaminess (about 3-5min).

4. Season with cumin and salt.

5. Pour into a jar or sealed container and keep refrigerated for upto 1 week.

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Q+A

1. Seed known as ‘Sesame’

The majority of sesame seeds are imported from China and India. However, the best (and almost impossible to source unless you are a Tahini manufacturer), sesame seeds are from Ethiopia. As with all thing’s food, the tahini rich and nutty flavor mainly depends on the origin of the seeds, then the method with which it was grounded, typically a stone mill used to extract the oils from the seed.

2. You may want to take into account

• You may increase the quantities in the recipe, however, if you choose to reduce the quantity then please take into account that the quantities listed above are the bare minimum required for a normal size, 6-8 cup blender, to properly function.

• The amount of oil required depends on the seed’s freshness and the power of your blender.

• Why Ice cubes? In order for you to have a smooth, creamy, delicious white tahini sauce, you must use very cold water, and preferably ice cubes. The colder the water, the whiter and creamier your tahini is going to come out.

3. Typical uses for the Tahini

• condiments

• dressings

• baking

• spreads

• smoothies and shakes

The list is endless…

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DID YOU KNOW...

Sesame seeds are commonly used throughout the Middle East and Asia. It is part of the main diet, used in an array of dishes, condiments, dressings and sweets. Sesame seeds are known for their umami used to elevate any dish with a sprinkle including ice creams. Try it!

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SUSU always keeps a small jar of toasted sesame seeds (white and black), in it’s pantry, as a finish touch for it’s dishes.

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Not only does Tahini taste amazing and makes everything taste better, it is also a super food item. Here’s just a short list of some of the great health benefits sesame seeds and tahini offer;

• Great source of fiber. 30 grams of Sesame seeds = 3.5 grams of fiber, which is 12% of suggested daily intake. Fiber is well known for supporting digestive health, and there is growing evidence that fiber play an important role in reducing risks of heart disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

• Lower cholesterol and triglycerides, which are risk factors for heart disease.

• Nutritious source of plant protein. Protein is essential for your health as it helps build everything from muscles to hormones.

• Lower blood pressure. Sesame seeds are high in magnesium, which may help lowering your blood pressure.

• Help support your immune system. Sesame seeds are a good source of several nutrients crucial for your immune system, including zinc, selenium, copper,, iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

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SUSU recommended Tahini paste (base) brand links…

• Har Bracha Tahini, Whole Sesame, 17.6 Oz. Country of origin - ISRAEL

• Alkanater Tahini, Whole Sesame, 16 Oz. Country of origin – LEBANON

• Soom Foods Tahini, Whole Sesame, 11 Oz. Country of origin – USA