Tahin

Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva. Tahini is used in the cuisines of the Levant, Eastern Mediterranean, Caucasus, and parts of North Africa. It is also widely used in Chinese cuisine and Vietnamese cuisine.

Etymology

The word tahini originated from the Arabic word "طحينة" which is derived from the word "طحن" which means to grind. The word is used in Arabic and Turkish to describe a paste of ground sesame seeds.

Preparation

Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds that have been soaked in water and then hulled. The grinding process is done slowly, at low temperatures, to maintain the nutritional benefits of the seeds. The result is a thick, creamy paste that can be used in various dishes.

Culinary uses

Tahini is used in a variety of dishes. It is a key ingredient in recipes such as hummus and baba ghanoush. It is also used in sweet dishes like halva, a popular dessert in the Middle East. In addition, tahini can be used as a spread on bread or as a dip for vegetables.

Nutritional value

Tahini is rich in proteins, Vitamin E, and B vitamins. It also contains important minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. Due to its high oil content, tahini is high in calories, but it is also a good source of dietary fiber.

See also

• List of sesame seed dishes
• List of condiments
• List of dips