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Creamy Tahini Sauce, Three Ways

3.8

(5)

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Tahini can do everything. It's can take the form of a dressing, dip, or sauce.Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Rhoda Boone

Serve this ultra-creamy tahini sauce with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, or use it as a base for a silky avocado dip or an herby salad dressing.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 1/2 cups sauce

Ingredients

For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:

2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup tahini
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Creamy Tahini Dip with Avocado:

2 ripe avocados, cubed
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin

For the Creamy Tahini Dressing with Cucumber and Dill:

1 cup coarsely chopped English hothouse cucumber
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh dill fronds

Preparation

  1. Make the Creamy Tahini Sauce:

    Step 1

    Sprinkle garlic with salt on a cutting board, then use the side of a knife to smash into a paste. Transfer to a large bowl. Add tahini and 1 cup warm water. Whisk until smooth. Add parsley, lemon juice, oil, and cayenne and whisk to combine.

  2. For the Creamy Tahini Dip with Avocado:

    Step 2

    Combine avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, cumin, and 1/2 cup Creamy Tahini Sauce in a large bowl, then mash with a fork until smooth. For a smoother texture, purée in a blender.

  3. For the Creamy Tahini Dressing with Cucumber and Dill:

    Step 3

    Purée cucumber, buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and 1/2 cup Creamy Tahini Sauce in a blender until smooth. Add dill and pulse a few more times to combine.

  4. Do Ahead

    Step 4

    Creamy Tahini Sauce can be stored in an airtight container and chilled for up to 7 days.

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