Good Kitchen Blog: Green Tahini

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Green Tahini

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I’m just gonna say right from the get-go…. green tahini is DELICIOUS but it is not for everyone.

If you don’t love tahini, this probably won’t make you love tahini (although it might slightly change your mind – baby steps).

This sauce is for specific subset of humans who love:

The nutty, slightly bitter flavor of tahini
Herbs, garlic, and green saucey things
Creamy versatile sauces that are vegan

If you are looking for a more widely popular flavor profile, I would point you over to the Magic Green Sauce which has been a staple in my life (and many of your lives) for the last few years. Easy win.

But if you are bold, if you love to keep things interesting, if you’re looking to change up your sauce game from the usual, this one is dedicated specifically to you.

To start: tahini, herbs, garlic, oil, salt, lemon.

Is it herbed ranch dressing? Is it green goddess sauce?

IT’S GREEN TAHINI.

Green tahini goes best with mild-ish things that can handle a little bittery, zippy punch. For example:

Roasted potatoes
Roasted carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli
Okay, any roasted veggies
Grilled chicken
Pitas / flatbreads
Beans and grains
Hard boiled eggs

(Here is a roasted vegetable bowl with green tahini that is one of my meal prep favorites – featuring roasted cauliflower, potato, carrot, onion, broccoli, a hard boiled egg, and some avocado drizzled with the love of a big spoonful of green tahini and squeezed with lemon.)

Check out our video for how to make Green Tahini:

Common Questions About Green Tahini

I’m not a big fan of tahini. Does this taste strongly of, well, tahini?

Yes, yes it does. It could definitely turn you towards *starting* to like tahini, but does not hide the tahini flavor.

Can I use different herbs?

Yes! Basil would be another good option to throw into the mix.

I’m allergic to sesame. Can I sub the tahini for something else?

This is a very tahini-centered recipe. If you’d like something similar that’s sesame-free, our Magic Green Sauce would be a great alternative.

Is there a way to make it less bitter?

Naturally, this recipe has a little bitter bite (which we love!). But if it’s not your thing, feel free to add a little honey or agave to taste to sweeten it up a bit.

How long will this keep in the fridge?

This sauce will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Green Tahini

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil (mild tasting)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup tahini
a big bunch of both cilantro and parsley
1 clove garlic
squeeze of half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste – I like salt so ~1 teaspoon is what I use)

Instructions

Video

Blend up all your sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Taste and adjust. If the sauce is too runny, add a little more tahini.
Pour over roasted vegetables, beans, grains, protein… anything that needs to be woken up with some rich and creamy flavor!