Tahina (or tahini) is a smooth, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. The seeds are roasted and then ground into a thick, oily paste, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor with a slight bitterness.
Tahina has a versatile range of uses. It’s often featured in dishes like hummus and baba ganoush, used as a dressing for salads, or drizzled over roasted vegetables. It can also be blended with ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to create a sauce or dip, or sweetened with honey or sugar for desserts. Its silky texture and earthy taste make it an excellent base for both savory and sweet dishes, and it’s known for being a nutritious source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.