Classic Homemade Tahini
Learn how to make rich, smooth, and incredibly flavorful homemade tahini using just two simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- •2 cups hulled sesame seeds (280g)
- •1/3 cup high-quality light olive oil or neutral vegetable oil (80ml)
- •1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and spread the sesame seeds evenly on a large baking sheet.
- 2
Bake the sesame seeds for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let them brown too much or the tahini will turn bitter.
- 3
Remove the toasted sesame seeds from the oven and let them cool completely to room temperature.
- 4
Transfer the cooled sesame seeds to a food processor fitted with the S-blade and process for about 2 to 3 minutes until they break down into a crumbly paste.
- 5
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil through the feed tube and continue to process for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- 6
Add the salt if using, and process until the mixture is completely smooth, silky, and pourable.
- 7
Pour the finished tahini into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and let it cool completely before sealing.
💡 Chef tips
- Store homemade tahini in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 months; give it a good stir before each use as natural separation may occur.
- For an extra nutty flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat instead of the oven, stirring constantly.
- If your tahini is too thick, simply blend in an extra tablespoon of oil until you reach your desired consistency.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished tahini should be silky smooth, pourable, and rich with a nutty, deeply savory aroma and taste.