Sesame seeds are common among cuisines of the Mediterranean – Greece, north Africa, the middle East – so it’s no surprise that they date back 1000s of years. Tahini, a paste or sauce made from ground sesame seeds, in fact traces its name back to the Arab word meaning “to grind”. It’s vegan and because its high in calcium and protein, it is a great addition to plant-based diets. Due to the high oil content, when making sauces with tahini, there is no need to add anything more than acid and possibly water to thin it out. The lemon juice we use in our Lemon Tahini + oo’mämē Dressing has the double duty of emulsifying the tahini and cutting that underlying bitterness inherent in tahini.

Tahini, like nut butters, tends to get thicker before it gets thinner. That’s because there are tiny dry bits surrounded by oil, keeping them from a perfect marriage with your added liquids. Cold water is the secret ingredient that takes tahini from thick and clumpy to smooth and creamy. Most tahini dressings have lemon juice and garlic, but we are kicking it up a notch by stirring in some oo’mämē Moroccan Chile Crisp. For this dish, just add the crunchy oo’mämē bits – no extra oil needed with tahini – and both lemon juice and zest.  One taste of this creamy, tangy and spicy dressing will transport you to some far away land.  Close your eyes and enjoy the journey!

Lemon Tahini + oo’mämē Dressing

oo’mämē Kitchen

Category

Dressings & Sauces

Cold water is the secret ingredient that takes tahini from thick and clumpy to smooth and creamy. Most tahini dressings have lemon juice and garlic, but we are kicking it up a notch by stirring in some oo’mämē Moroccan Chile Crisp. For this dish, just add the crunchy oo’mämē bits – no extra oil needed with tahini – along with some lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Tahini
• 1/4 cup ice cold water
• Zest of one lemon + 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons oo’mämē Moroccan Chile Crisp, crunchy bits with the oil drained off
• 1 teaspoon honey (or another sweetener, if vegan) 
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste

Directions

1. Whisk together the tahini, cold water and lemon juice and zest. Combine until smooth. 

2. Add the remaining ingredients and combine well. If a thinner dressing is desired, whisk in additional cold water. 

3. Store any leftovers, refrigerated, in an airtight, non-reactive container. Shake well before using.