Tahini next to lemon and whole garlic | |
Alternative names | Tahin, tahina, tahine, etc.[1][2] |
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Type | Spread or dip, ingredient or filling in other dishes |
Region or state | West Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, South Caucasus, parts of North Africa |
Main ingredients | Sesame seeds |
Tahini (/təˈhiːni, tɑː-/) or tahina (Arabic: طحينة, /-nə/) is a Middle-Eastern condiment made from ground sesame.[3] Its more commonly eaten variety comes from hulled sesame, but unhulled seeds can also be used for preparing it.[4] The latter variety has been described as slightly bitter, but more nutritious.[4] It is served by itself (as a dip) or as a major ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.
Tahini is used in the cuisines of the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean, the South Caucasus, the Balkans, South Asia, Central Asia, and amongst Ashkenazi Jews as well as parts of Russia and North Africa. Sesame paste (though not called tahini) is also used in some East Asian cuisines.