Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is a major ingredient in hummus and other dishes from the Middle East. It can be purchased fresh, in cans, in jars, or dehydrated. Tahini comes in two varieties 'hulled' and 'unhulled'. Both types are relatively high in vitamins and proteins. Unhulled tahini is quite bitter but has a much higher proportion of vitamins, calcium, and protein because the sesame seeds are ground whole.
Tahini paste is often used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be found in most Arabic restaurants as a side dish or as a garnish. It is often mixed with lemon juice, salt and garlic, then thinned with water to create a sauce. Tahini sauce is a popular condiment for meat and vegetables in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is also a main ingredient in soups, such as in the Greek tahinosoupa.
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