Zesty Lemon Tahini

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 2 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Zesty Lemon Tahini is not just your average sauce — it's a versatile concoction with a delightful tang and a hint of spice. Perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping veggies, or even as a sandwich spread, it's bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Tahini

Tahini, the creamy sesame paste, forms the rich base of this sauce, bringing a nutty depth. The fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. Olive oil helps to smooth out the texture, making it luscious and pourable. A splash of water lightens the mixture without diluting the flavors. Garlic offers a robust kick, while the lemon zest amplifies the citrusy notes. A dash of ground cumin adds warmth, and a pinch of cayenne pepper introduces a gentle heat. Lastly, a touch of salt ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your tahini is too thick, warm it slightly in a microwave or on the stovetop to make mixing easier.
  • Adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference; a little goes a long way.
  • For extra smoothness, blend the sauce in a food processor instead of whisking by hand.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables or grain bowls. Try it as a dip for fresh veggies or pita bread. It can also be used as a dressing for a hearty kale salad or as a spread in wraps and sandwiches, adding an extra zing to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is there a substitute for tahini?
If you're out of tahini, cashew or almond butter can be used for a different, but still delicious, flavor.

Zesty Lemon Tahini Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl — you want enough space to really whisk everything together without making a mess. Pour in the tahini and fresh lemon juice. Whisk them together; it might look a bit seized up at first, but don't worry. That's just the lemon juice thickening the tahini.

Next, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and water while continuing to whisk. This is where the magic happens, transforming into a smooth, creamy sauce. If it still feels too thick, you can add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time.

Once you have a uniform consistency, add in the minced garlic, lemon zest, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whisk again until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Give it a taste and see if it needs a little more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to suit your preference.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with no fancy equipment needed.
  • Packed with bold, bright flavors that elevate any dish.
  • Vegan and gluten-free, so it's suitable for various dietary needs.
  • Made from pantry staples, saving you a trip to the store.

Ingredients

1 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp water
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the tahini and fresh lemon juice.
2. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and water until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt.
4. Continue to whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.

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