TAHINI

Tahini is butter made of sesame seeds. It is great to use it as a sauce, dip, or for baking.

Sesame seeds are a rich source of fiber - 30 grams of seeds have 3,5 grams of fiber, which represents 12% RDI. 30 grams of hulled seeds contain 5 grams of protein. Unhulled seeds are especially rich in magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, and vitamins B1, B3, B6, E. They may help to reduce elevated triglyceride and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. (1)

They are many different kinds of sesame seeds, but the most known are brown, black, and white sesame seeds. The content of nutrients varies depending on the kind and whether the seeds are hulled or unhulled.

Sesame origins from Asia, but it was also used in ancient Egypt, in Chia 5,000 years ago, and also in Roman times. (2)

Recipe for tahini

preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients (1 cup):

- 210g (2 cups) of sesame seeds

- 2 pinches of salt

- 6 tbsp of olive oil

Method:

1. In a pan roast sesame seeds on medium heat. Mix constantly so that the seeds don't burn. When the seeds start to turn brown, turn off the heat. The more brown the seeds will be, the more strong a bitter the taste will be.

2. Add the roasted seeds into the blender and wait 5-10 minutes for them to cool down.

3. Add olive oil, salt, and start to blend.

Blend for a minute or until the sauce is creamy.

4. Pour tahini into a jar and wait for it to cool down. Then cover it with a lid and save it in the fridge.

5. After some time there will be two layers in the jar, oil and the tahini paste. Before you use it, make sure to mix it.