Tahini, or sesame paste. The idea of grinding sesame seeds into a smooth paste originated in the Far East, and tahini is a popular ingredient in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. Authentic tahini is made solely from sesame seeds.
Properties of tahini
It contains healthy fatty acids, plenty of protein, B vitamins, and iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Tahini contains oleic acid, which can help lower cholesterol and improve heart function . It's rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which are beneficial for brain and nervous system function.
Tahini's ingredients contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system, regulating blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. This paste also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help prevent anemia, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
What can you use sesame paste for?
Tahini is most often used to prepare sauces, dips, and dressings. It's also an essential ingredient in baba ghanoush, a popular Arabic dish with eggplant. It's also used to make hummus (if you'd like to buy it ready-made, check out our ready-made vegetable spreads ). It can also be used as an addition to bread, cookies, and vegetables. Sesame paste has a nutty flavor and creamy consistency, so it pairs well with a variety of toppings.
