Tahini is a smooth sesame seed paste that acts as an essential ingredient in the preparation of halwa, hummus, baba ghanoush, or is served as a dip (also known as an essential Middle Eastern condiment). Tahini is an Arabic word, although the spice itself is believed to have originated from Persia, where it was known as “Ardeh.” It later worked its way all the way to Israel, where it was served as a delicacy. Tahini looks like peanut butter, but it doesn’t taste sweet like one. It has a distinguished nutty flavor of sesame seeds with a slight hint of bitterness.
Tahini-based sauces are extensively available all over the Middle East and parts of Asia. It is recognized worldwide due to its unique flavor and the versatility it provides.
What is Tahini Sauce Made Of?
Tahini sauce incorporates an extra layer of irresistible creaminess to anything, whether roasted or fresh vegetables, falafel, salads, fish, or pita bread.
Tahini is generally prepared by grinding sesame seeds until a smooth paste is formed. Sesame seeds are either hulled or left unhulled; sometimes they are roasted, or sometimes they are even left raw.
Top Middle Eastern Tahini Brands
Here are the top Middle Eastern sesame tahini brands you can find online. They are highly rated for flavor, consistency, and overall quality, and are all perfect for making your favorite Middle Eastern dishes. The brands in this article are:
Established in 1987
In 1987, Tazah Foods embarked on a noble mission to provide high-quality Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. Since its inception, Tazah has delivered a blend of authentic and healthy products with the aim of catering to every household’s needs.
Premium Lebanese tahini is comprised of 100% ground white hulled toasted sesame seeds, that are known to be a good source of energy (manganese, copper, amino acid methionine, omega-3, omega-6, fibers, Calcium, and Iron). It suppresses the use of preservatives and is a cholesterol-free sauce. Manufactured in Lebanon, this Tazah’s tahini, with its enriched ingredients, will be the perfect tahini paste for a variety of Middle Eastern recipes.
What Customers Are Saying
Many that used this tahini absolutely adored its creamy texture. They loved how consistent the Tahini was when they reordered.
Try Tazah's Sesame Tahini & Other Top Products
Established in 1977
Al Kanater was set up in 1977 by Tony E. Abou Naoum. The company is well known for manufacturing traditional and natural food products, including tahini, halwa, and loukoum. Their goal is to provide customers and distributors alike with authentic, safe, and healthy products.
Al Kanater Tahini Extra Sesame Paste is made with 100% ground sesame seeds and is specially catered towards vegans and people allergic to nuts. It contains no trans-fat, gluten, or nuts. Sesame seeds are handpicked after a thorough screening process. This enables acquiring a delicious aroma and a fine texture. Al Kanater Tahini Extra Sesame Paste is the perfect dip to bring to a picnic or a family gathering.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers loved this product because of its freshness, high quality, and exquisite flavor. They also like the creamy thickness of Al Kanater Tahini Extra Sesame Paste. This is also the staple brand we use in our family's home!
Try Al Kananer Sesame Tahini & Other Top Products (affiliate links)
Beirut Foods, a company based in Lebanon, is a leading manufacturer of sesame tahini paste. This company’s business values reflect their family values; they cater to multi-cultural backgrounds and specialize in making good food with rich flavors.
Beirut Tahini Sesame Paste is Imported from Lebanon. As its competitors, it's known as a healthy alternative to many other sauces. It is incredibly rich in fiber and is an ideal source of calcium and iron. Furthermore, it offers substantial amounts of, copper, manganese, amino acid, methionine, omega-3, and omega-6. Beirut Tahini Sesame Paste is produced solely from ground-hulled sesame seeds.
What Customers Are Saying
Individuals that used this tahini brand with hummus absolutely loved its taste. However, it's on the thinner side versus other brands and is a matter of preference.
Established in 1977 (Local Product: Methuen, MA)
Sesame King is a leading brand specializing in manufacturing 100% pure, ground tahini pastes. They manufacture tahini from the finest sesame seeds. Sesame King’s tahini is subtle, gives off a delightful aroma, all-natural, is rich with texture, and has a delicious taste.
Sesame King Tahini Paste is another high-quality sesame tahini. Manufactured in Methuen, Massachusetts, this tahini is made from 100% Pure Ground Sesame Seeds. It contains no preservatives and is peanut and tree nut-free. Furthermore, the tahini paste is certified Kosher and is recommended for vegans. This Non-GMO verified, and Gluten-Free tahini paste would always leave you satisfied.
What Customers Are Saying
Individuals who used this tahini loved its smooth texture, and they found the thickness of the tahini to be optimal.
How to Make Traditional Sesame Tahini Sauce at home
If you plan on making a traditional sesame tahini sauce at home, here's a basic recipe to help get you started. Although there are many variations, you’ll require the following ingredients:
6 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 2/3 cups golden sesame seeds
Salt to taste
Servings: 1 jar
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Instructions
First, take the sesame seeds and roast them in a pan on a stovetop, preferably at a temperature of 350°F for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
Place the roasted seeds in a mortar using a pestle. Crush them until you acquire a thick and crumbly paste. (A food processor can also be used).
Pour oil and mix until you get a smooth, thick paste. If you wish for an even smoother paste, incorporate an additional 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil until you acquire the desired texture.
Mix one last time after adding a pinch of salt
Store it in a tightly closed glass jar and put it in the refrigerator and use it for salads, making hummus, etc. Tahini is an incredibly delicious condiment that takes savory dishes such as hummus and halwa to the next level. In the article, we’ve showcased top-quality brands that are well-known for producing high-quality sesame tahini.