Very popular in the Middle East, Turkey, Greece or Iran, tahineh, tahina, tahini or tahin is a condiment prepared from shelled sesame seeds, roasted at low temperature (for a better flavor a reduction in humidity ) then creamed. Sesame is renowned for its high nutritional value, it is full of fiber, protein and minerals such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus and calcium.
Generally, tahini can be used in savory recipes (sauces, vinaigrettes, skewers) as well as sweet (halawa, pastries).
In the Middle East, sesame cream is commonly combined with lemon juice and/or garlic and yogurt to form a creamy sauce that is essential to accompany falafel or in the preparation of the traditional hummus, baba-ghanouj (caviar eggplant), foul mdames (marinated cooked beans), or fatteh, etc... It can also be prepared as a dip for brunch or dessert by mixing it with molasses, grapes or honey.
