Homemade Tahini Recipe | How to Make Creamy Tahini

Learn how to make authentic homemade tahini in 3 easy ways. This simple Middle Eastern recipe uses just one ingredient: sesame seeds. Smooth, creamy, and better than store-bought – perfect for hummus, dressings, or sauces. Ingredients: 2 cups (300g) Sesame seeds *read notes Optional: Salt Neutral oil Directions: 1. Toast the sesame seeds (optional): For raw tahini, you can skip this step. But if you prefer a slightly nuttier flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Do not let them brown. Let cool completely before blending. 2. Blend the sesame seeds: Add the sesame seeds to a high-speed blender or food processor. Start blending on medium speed. At first, the seeds will look crumbly and dry, keep going! After a few minutes, they’ll form a thick paste. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom to make sure everything blends evenly. 3. Add oil if needed: If the mixture seems too thick or dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of natural oil to help the blending process. Continue blending until smooth, creamy, and pourable. This can take 5–10 minutes, depending on your blender’s power. 4. Adjust flavor: Taste your tahini. Remember, this is raw tahini paste, not a sauce, so the flavor will be intense, slightly bitter, and earthy, as it’s meant to be the base for other recipes like tahini sauce or hummus. You can add a small pinch of salt if you’d like to soften the edge. But I usually don't add salt at this stage. 5. Store: Transfer your homemade tahini to a clean, airtight jar. Store in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.