Have you heard of tahini? Tahini is a paste made of finely ground sesame seeds and oil that is commonly used in dips, sauces, and salad dressings. One of the most common concoctions you may see tahini in is hummus!
Tahini packs a nutritious punch, in just 1 tablespoon there is 90 calories, 2 ½ grams protein, 3 grams of carbohydrate, 1 ½ grams fiber, and 8 grams of total fat – 6 ½ of those fat grams are “GOOD” fats from heart healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats! This simple paste provides protein and heart healthy fats in a tasty small portion.
You like hummus but want to enjoy tahini in another format?
Try a quick recipe from Cooking Light by spreading tahini on whole grain toast, top with a thinly sliced apple, drizzle of honey, and finish it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sesame seeds. (https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/apple-tahini-toast)
Want to whip up a quick sauce that will wow your dinner guests? Try this simple sauce from Martha Stewart – In a food processor, puree ½ cup tahini, lemon zest and juice (of 1 lemon), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 chopped garlic clove, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, and 3/4 cup water until smooth. Season with salt. (https://www.marthastewart.com/1049689/tahini-sauce)
References:
https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3696?fgcd=&manu=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=50&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=tahini&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing=
