Dr. Lani's Favorite Tahini Recipe

Tahini is a healthy Middle Eastern dressing or dip. I think you will find this dressing a very easy and healthy addition to your diet. It is high in protein, calcium and other nutrients. Another bonus is that lemon is alkaline, so it is good for bones too! This recipe leans on a strong lemon flavor. Play with the ingredients to find the right amount of lemon, garlic and cumin, which add very distinct flavors. When added to rice, salad or vegetable dishes it is quite yummy. I often double the recipe as I use it several times a week.

• ½ C tahini paste (you can buy an organic paste or use raw sesame seeds)*
• ½ C water
• 1/3 C lemon juice or a bit more depending on how much lemon you like (fresh Meyer lemons are best, but all lemons are delicious)
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• ½ - 1 tsp cumin
• Salt to taste – start with ¼ tsp.
• Small amount of parsley (optional)

To make a dip use less liquid; to use as a dressing, add more liquid.

* I make mine from raw sesame seeds and I use a Vitamix, which is a powerful blender. I have not tried this with a regular blender. With the Vitamix the consistency is completely smooth.

Store bought tahini paste is a fine way to go too – Whole Foods and most health food stores carry an organic option. One that I tried is Arrowhead Mills Organic Sesame Tahini, which is pure sesame seeds only. I personally like raw over roasted. You will save quite a bit of money if you grind your own sesame seeds.

Preparation with raw whole sesame seeds

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

Preparation starting with paste

Add paste to blender

Add all other ingredients and blend until smooth.