
Whip up homemade tahini in just 15 minutes. Ditch those expensive store options and whip up your own creamy, flavorful paste that's fresher and tastier. It's quick, easy, and much more affordable.
Benefits of Homemade Versions
Homemade tahini simply wins on flavor. When you brown the sesame seeds yourself, you'll get incredible nutty notes. It's super easy to make, cheaper than buying, and fits perfectly into vegan and gluten-free cooking. Throw it in your hummus, mix it in dressings, or add to sauces. You won't find any additives or preservatives - just pure, authentic flavor that makes store varieties seem bland.
Ingredients List
- Hulled Sesame Seeds: Your base component. Hulled varieties create smoother tahini. You can try unhulled ones too but they'll give you a more bitter result.
- Oil: Choose something neutral tasting - avocado, grape seed, or mild olive oil work great.
- Salt: Add a tiny bit if you'd like. It's totally optional if you prefer without.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast Seeds:
- Grab a dry, clean pan and warm it on medium-low. Add your sesame seeds in a single layer. Keep them moving gently - they'll burn fast! You'll spot they're done when they turn slightly golden and release a wonderful nutty aroma, typically in about 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
- Blend Seeds:
- Let the toasted seeds sit for a couple minutes to cool down, then dump them into your food processor. Run it for about a minute until they look grainy like sand. Don't stress if they aren't super fine yet, we're just getting going.
- Add Oil:
- Slowly pour in your first couple tablespoons of oil while the processor runs. Let everything mix for 2-3 minutes, stopping occasionally to push down what sticks to the sides with a spatula. Watch as it transforms from crumbly to smooth - it's pretty cool!
- Check Texture:
- Take a peek at your tahini. Need it thinner? Just add another tablespoon or two of oil and blend more. Everyone wants their tahini a bit different - make yours match how you'll use it. Keep sampling until it feels right.
- Season:
- Want some salt? Now's when to add it. Just a tiny pinch works - you can always put more in later. Give it one more quick spin to mix everything up.
- Store:
- Transfer your fresh tahini into a clean container with a good lid. It'll stay good in your fridge for about a month, and don't worry when it separates - that's completely normal. Just stir it up before you use it.
Surpassing Market Options
Forget buying pricey tahini at stores. Create it fresh at home in just minutes. You decide exactly what's in it, and the taste is so much better. You'll also save cash and effort - no more extra shopping trips.
Quality Seed Selection
Look for hulled sesame seeds to make your tahini extra smooth. Always brown them first - it brings out amazing nutty flavors. This step isn't optional, it totally transforms the final product.
Choosing Your Fats
Go with oils that don't have strong flavors - avocado or regular cooking oil work great. Start with 3-4 tablespoons to get that perfect, pourable consistency, just like what you'd buy ready-made.
Versatile Applications
Use tahini beyond hummus recipes. Add it to your salad dressings, spoon over falafel, or drizzle on baked veggies. Go sweet with it - add to cookie dough or top your favorite ice cream. You'll soon find yourself using it everywhere.
Storage Tips
Store your tahini in a container in the refrigerator. It lasts more than a month easily. Just mix it up before using since the parts might separate a little. Now you've always got fresh tahini waiting when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of seeds should I pick?
White seeds are best for smoothness. Hulled ones make it extra creamy. Always toast them lightly, don’t overdo it. Fresh seeds taste best.
- → How can I make it thinner?
Drizzle in some oil or a bit of water while blending. Keep tasting and testing the texture. It’s easy to adjust on the go.
- → No food processor around?
A strong blender works just fine. It’ll take a little longer and need some patience, but it’ll get creamy eventually.
- → How long does it stay fresh?
Store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to a month. Give it a stir before using, and keep an eye out for any signs of spoiling.
- → Why is it separating?
It’s normal for this to happen, just like nut butter. Stir it together each time before using and it’ll be good to go.
- → What if it’s not smooth enough?
Blend longer until it’s creamy. Add more oil if needed. Toast seeds properly and make sure the blender is strong and reliable.
- → How do I take it with me?
Pack it in a tight, spill-proof container. Keep it cold if possible, and stir it well when you’re at your destination.
- → Can I make it faster?
Toast the seeds quickly but carefully. Let them cool for just a moment before blending. You’ll have fresh tahini in no time.
- → What if I need more?
Double the ingredients and blend in batches if your machine’s small. Be mindful of toasting more seeds at once, and take your time blending.
- → Any tips for extra flavor?
Toast the seeds a bit darker, add a sprinkle of salt, or mix in a little garlic or chili for a spicy kick. Keep experimenting to find your favorite combo.
- → Why aren’t the seeds breaking down?
Make sure they’re toasted enough and use enough oil. Blend in smaller batches to get better results. Keep scraping down the sides.
- → What if it tastes bitter?
Toast the seeds less, as over-toasting can turn them bitter. Use fresh seeds and oil, and add a tiny pinch of honey or salt to balance the flavor.
Conclusion
Like this? Mix it with chickpeas for hummus. Or combine it with roasted eggplants for baba ganoush. Both go great with this fresh dip.