Tahini
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, often used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty flavor.
What it means in a kitchen
In a working kitchen, tahini serves as a key ingredient in dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush. Its consistency and flavor can significantly affect the final product, requiring precise measurements and proper mixing techniques to achieve the desired texture and taste.
Common misunderstanding
Many people confuse tahini with sesame oil, which is a liquid extracted from sesame seeds. While tahini is made from whole seeds, sesame oil lacks the same texture and nutritional properties.
Example
When preparing hummus, a typical recipe might call for about 1/4 cup of tahini, mixed with chickpeas, lemon juice, and garlic. The tahini should be stirred well before measuring to ensure an even consistency.