Lemon Tahini Recipe
Bright, nutty, creamy, and tangy sauce made with sesame seeds and fresh lemon juice.
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Ingredients
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Tahini Sauce
Finish & Garnish (optional)
Method
Tahini Sauce
Prep tahini
If your tahini has separated, stir thoroughly until smooth and homogenous before measuring. This ensures even texture in the final sauce.
Combine base ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a small food processor, combine 1 cup well-stirred tahini, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, and the 2 mashed garlic cloves. Stir/ pulse briefly until blended; the mixture will initially seize and thicken.
Thin and emulsify
Gradually add 1/2 cup warm water in 2–3 additions, whisking or running the processor between additions to reach a smooth, pourable consistency (similar to heavy cream or yogurt). You may need slightly more or less water depending on tahini thickness—adjust to preference.
Add oil, seasoning, and balance
Whisk in 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey if using. Taste and adjust: add small amounts of lemon juice for brightness, salt to season, or water to thin.
Smooth and strain (optional)
For an ultra-silky finish, press the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve or run a final 10–15 second blitz in a food processor. If the sauce is still too thick after thinning, add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired texture is reached.
Finish & Serve
Transfer sauce to a serving bowl or squeeze bottle. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The sauce may thicken when cold—whisk in 1–2 tablespoons warm water before serving to loosen. Bring to room temperature for best flavor.
Uses: Serve as a dip for vegetables and pita, a dressing for salads and grain bowls, a sauce for roasted vegetables or grilled meats, or dolloped on falafel.