How To Make Tahini at Home
Tahini is one of my pantry essentials. I love it for its taste, versatility, and health benefits. Tahini is made out of 1 ingredient – sesame seeds. Even though there are different tahini choices available on the market today, I like to make Tahini myself because it is an incredibly easy and satisfying process.
watch me do it
Sesame Seeds Nutrition and Health Benefits
Due to the high concentration of poly- and mono-unsaturated fat, eating sesame seeds on regular bases may help to balance your blood pressure and decrease high cholesterol and triglycerides levels (1, 2).
Sesame seeds may assist with lowering blood pressure, because of the high levels of magnesium they contain. The abundance of antioxidants may help with plaque buildup prevention, keeping arteries clear and healthy, supporting healthy blood pressure (3)
Excellent source of protein (5 gr. per 3 tbsp.)
Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, which may support bone health. (4)
Sesame seeds are abundant in sesamin (5, 6) which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
These mighty seeds have a good supply of iron, copper, and vitamin B6, making them supportive of healthy red blood cell production.
Sesame seeds are a good source of zinc, vitamin E, iron, copper, selenium, B6, which are essential nutrients for your immune system (7) and healthy thyroid function (8, 9)
Unhulled sesame seeds are a great source of fiber, which aids digestion.
For optimal nutrients absorption, sesame seeds are better to be consumed after they’ve been soaked, sprouted or roasted.
Hulled or Unhulled Sesame Seeds for Tahini?
There are two types of raw sesame seeds available on the market – Hulled and Unhulled. You might wonder what the big difference is.
Unhulled sesame seeds have the outer husk intact, which gives the seeds a golden color and provides a significant amount of fiber. Fiber is well known for its digestive health benefits.
BUT with husk comes oxalates, phytates, and tannins. Those are natural components known as antinutrients or digestive inhibitors for the ability to reduce the absorption of nutrients dramatically. They are present in all nuts, seeds, and legumes and are the reason why we are soaking them. (see more on benefits of soaking).
Yes, soaking sesame seeds (or any other whole seeds) for 12 hours will dramatically decrease the amount of antinutrients and increase the nutritional profile along with it. But, in order to make Tahini, seeds must be dry. And that is where the tricky part comes in.
The drying of the seeds will take a long time; you might need a dehydrator to do so as well. If you want to speed the process up and dry the seeds in a timely manner, you have to toast them in the pan or in the oven. And with seeds being covered by the husk, it is very hard to control the roast. In most cases, they come out over-roasted.
Unhulled sesame seeds are amazing for sprouting, eating raw in salads, adding to your morning smoothies, or overnight oats. Personally, I would not recommend using them to make Tahini.
Are Hulled Sesame Seeds for Tahini a Better Choice?
For Tahini making, hulled sesame seeds are definitely the way to go. Because hulled sesame seeds have the husk removed, they contain much less fiber. 🤷♀️ On the other hand, the majority of antinutrients are gone with the husk 🌬 👍. That makes soaking unnecessary.
Roasted or Raw Tahini?
Roasting of any nuts and seeds intensifies the aroma and flavor. If you want a more intense flavor for your Tahini, then you should definitely roast your sesame seeds. I prefer Tahini made of roasted sesame seeds when I make hummus, some salad dressings, and the alike.
Often I use tahini to make granola or baked goods. In those cases, I prefer using Raw Tahini, which is milder, so it blends better with other flavors.
How To Roast Sesame Seeds
- Place sesame seeds in a dry frying pan.
- Set heat on medium-low and cook until golden. The higher the roast, the more pronounced the sesame seed flavor will transpire.
- Be sure to not over-cook sesame seeds. The second they’ve reached the desired color, transfer seeds to a plate right away and set to cool.
The important thing to know before you start making tahini
The critical step for making the best tahini is to start with warm seeds. You can toast your sesame seeds in a large pan on medium heat, stirring consistently till slightly golden. Then, transfer them onto a plate and cool for a couple of minutes. You want them to remain warm but not hot.
If you’re planning to keep your tahini raw, you still need to warm up the seeds in a large pan. Sesame seeds release their oils much more readily while warm, making the process of blending quicker and more effortless. (especially if using a blender).
What is a better appliance to use to make tahini?
When it comes to Tahini making at home, there are two appliance options. You can go with a food processor or blender; both will work.
Making tahini in a food processor
A hi-powered food processor is preferred but not necessary. The same quality of tahini will be achieved; the difference is only in the time it takes. With a regular food processor, it will take a bit longer, that’s all. Whichever kind of processor you use, be sure to have enough sesame seeds for the blades to catch on.
Making tahini in a blender
It is possible to make your tahini in a blender, and especially if you have a hi-powered blender like Vitamix. The important thing is – to have a sufficient amount of warm sesame seeds. (3 to 4 cups, depending on the type of blender). If the seeds are not warm enough, or the amount is not sufficient, you can fix it by adding a tablespoon or two of avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Ok, that’s all I got. Let’s get to it.
👩🏼🍳 THINGS I USED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
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- 4 cups sesame seeds (raw** or roasted*)
- Place warm sesame seeds and sea salt into a food processor or blender. If you don't have a high-powered food processor you still will be able to make Tahini, it will take a bit longer, just be patient.
- Process the seeds until smooth and runny for 5 to 15 minutes (time depends on the appliance used). Stop occasionally and scrape sides as needed.
- Transfer tahini in a thoroughly cleaned airtight jar and keep in the fridge
- Place sesame seeds in a dry frying pan.
- Set heat on medium-low and cook until golden. The higher the roast, the more pronounced sesame seed flavor will transpire.
- Be sure to not over-cook sesame seeds. The second they’ve reached the desired color, transfer seeds to a plate right away and set to cool.
And as you at it, why not make a Thini dressing?
Sattvic creamy tahini salad dressing is made of only positive pranic ingredients. This zesty dressing is perfect for drizzling on the top of the salad or falafel. Creamy tahini dressing is so easy and quick to make; all you need is a whisk.
- 3 tbsp tahini ( )
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or light soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extras virgin )
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 3 tbsp water (filtered, cold)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
cabbage
bell pepper,
fennel,
radish
cucumber
carrots
Cabbage
summer squash
fresh herbs: dill, basil, parsley, cilantro,
beans, chickpeas, lentils
quinoa, farro
sun flower seeds, sesame seeds, almonds,
What about you?
I hope you’ll give this salad dressing a try. I love hearing from you. Let me know which salad you dressed with it in the comments below 🥗 and share a picture of your salad dressing on Instagram with the hashtag #positivepranic so that I can see your beautiful creation 🙂 🙏
Be Alive🌱,
❤ Love, Julia
Mindful Eating 🥢
DISCLAIMER: The materials and the information contained on the Positive Pranic website are provided for general and educational purposes only and do not constitute any legal, medical, or other professional advice on any subject matter. None of the information on our videos is a substitute for a diagnosis and treatment by your health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
