When planning the menu for a family get-together, dips like Ranch dressing or this easy paleo tahini dip always make the list. They are easy to prepare and make plain veggies and crackers something special.
What Is Tahini?
Simply put, tahini is a paste made of ground toasted sesame seeds. A good tahini should be light and creamy, similar to a loose nut butter. Its taste is savory and mildly nutty or toasty. (If you’ve ever had tahini or hummus that was acidic or bitter, the tahini was not of good quality.)
Tahini is a healthy food full of the following:
- Healthy fats
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Calcium
Tahini is used in dips like this one and of course in hummus. It can also be used as a spread on toast or crackers and even in sweet treats because of its smooth texture and fatty content. I’ve even heard of tahini being paired with sweet date pastes. This combination is good in the same way peanut butter and jelly make a good pairing.
History of Tahini
Sesame seed has been around for a long time. It has been cultivated in India since 5000 BC. There is also reference to sesame seed on ancient tablets (called cuneiforms) as early as 3500 BC.
Some tahini purists believe the best sesame seeds come from Ethiopia. These are called Humera seeds. These are thought to be best because of the soil that they’re grown in (nutrient-rich) as well as the roasting and grinding process.
How to Use Paleo Tahini Dip
Tahini dip is very versatile and can be used in many different ways. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Alongside gluten-free falafel
- Scooped (or spread) onto gluten-free and grain-free crackers
- Along with some tasty grain-free flatbread
- Serve with a variety of cut fresh vegetables (like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, etc.)
Easy Tahini Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
- ½ cup water
- sea salt (to taste)
- 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Whisk all the ingredients together and use as a dip or salad dressing.
Notes
Nutrition
What is your favorite way to use tahini dip? Tell us in the comments below!
I grew up eating hush puppies with honey! Don’t know that honey would work well with this recipe, but it might!
I LOVE falafel but since we’ve moved to the middle-of-nowhere-Texas, I’ve not been eating it too often. Totally making this. Tonight. Yum.
I made these for dinner tonight and they were absolutely fantastic!
I love falafel and and I can’t wait to try this low carb variation. Thank you Heather and thank you Caitlin!
thanks! my sister is a paleo fan and will love this!
Oh, looks so delicious! Can’t wait to move in to our new home and start making all those tasty things:) I’m only cooking some beauty stuff there, but no food yet:(
Can these be made without eggs? I love falafel but haven’t been able to have them with my food sensitivities, which include eggs but traditional falafel is not made with egg.
You could try chia seed eggs. In a small bowl add 1 tablespoon chia seeds to 3 tablespoons water and let gel for five min before adding..
Love the idea, but it would be awesome if you could post the carb count on each patty.
Sounds good, what do you think of using besan instead of almond meal?