Tahini

Tahini is a paste made from combining ground up sesame seeds with olive oil.  It is used as a foundation for Middle Eastern dips and sauces.

Preparation Time: 15 Mins

Cooking Time: 5 Mins

Total Time: 30 Mins

Ingredients

70 ml              Sesame seeds         

½ tbs             Olive oil    

                     Salt          

Method

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring them frequently with a wooden spoon until the seeds are lightly coloured (not brown) and fragrant - about 5 minutes.  Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a plate and let them cool.

When cold, grind the seeds to paste either in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle.

Put the sesame paste in a food processor and add the oil and salt.  Blend until smooth.

Variations

If the sesame seeds are not toasted, the result will be a lighter coloured sauce but less nutty.