Transforming Tahini into Versatile Vegan Sauces
Tahini is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, commonly known as a base for hummus. However, it has so much more to offer! With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, tahini can be transformed into various versatile vegan sauces that will elevate your cooking game. In this post, we’ll explore some of our favorite ways to use tahini beyond hummus.
1. Tahini Yogurt Dressing
This tangy and creamy dressing is perfect for salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables. Simply whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of plain unsweetened non-dairy yogurt (such as soy, almond, or cashew), 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of tahini. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Tahini Butter Sauce
This rich and velvety sauce is ideal for drizzling over roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or noodles. Whisk together 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of tahini, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of warm water. Gradually add the warm water while whisking until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Tahini Miso Glaze
This sweet and savory glaze is perfect for coating baked tofu, tempeh, or seitan before serving. Combine 1/4 cup of tahini, 1/4 cup of miso paste (whiskey or dark chocolate for a richer flavor), 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Tahini Salsa
This spicy and tangy salsa is a great alternative to traditional tomato-based salsas. Mix together 1 avocado, diced, 1/2 cup of chopped red bell peppers, 1/2 cup of finely diced onions, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup of diced mango, 1/4 cup of diced papaya, 1/4 cup of diced jicama, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of diced green onion, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup of lime juice, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of tahini, and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Tahini Chimichurri
This herby sauce is perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. Combine 1/4 cup of packed parsley leaves, 1/4 cup of packed cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of tahini, and 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth and adjust seasonings as needed.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming tahini into delicious vegan sauces. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and enjoy the unique flavors each one creates.