Garlic Tahini Sauce

Garlic Tahini Sauce

Many sauces complement <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/dining/roasted-cauliflower-recipe-video.html">roasted cauliflower</a>; this one, from Martha Rose Shulman, is included in her recipe for roasted broccoli. As a matter of inspiration, it comes full circle: Ms. Shulman says she got the idea from one of her favorite Middle Eastern mezes, in which garlic tahini is served with cauliflower — deep-fried this time, rather than roasted.

Ingredients

  • 1 garlic clove

    cut in half, green shoots removed

  • Salt to taste
  • 1/3 cup sesame tahini
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    more to taste
  • Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes for sprinkling

Directions

  1. 1

    In a mortar and pestle, mash the garlic clove to a purée with a generous pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    Transfer to a bowl and whisk in the sesame tahini. Whisk in the lemon juice, beginning with the smaller amount. The mixture will stiffen up.

  3. 3

    Gradually whisk in up to 1/3 cup water, until the sauce has the consistency of thick cream or runny yogurt. Taste and adjust salt. Sprinkle in pepper.

Garlic Tahini Sauce

Garlic Tahini Sauce

Similar Recipes

Easy Tahini Recipe

Easy Tahini Recipe

Making tahini at home is easy and cheaper than buying it from the store. I also think it tastes better! For the best deals, look for sesame seeds in bulk bins or at International, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets. While you can make tahini from unhulled, sprouted, or hulled sesame seeds, we prefer hulled seeds.

15 minutes
Easy Tahini Sauce

Easy Tahini Sauce

This tahini sauce is rich, creamy and zingy! It's perfect for drizzling on bowl meals and veggies, using as a salad dressing, or as a dip.

5 minutes157 kcal
Lemon Tahini Dressing

Lemon Tahini Dressing

This easy lemon tahini dressing is creamy and bright! It's endlessly versatile for using on salads, bowl meals, sandwiches, and more.

5 minutes1 serving
Cucumber Tomato Tahini Salad

Cucumber Tomato Tahini Salad

A simple and authentic Middle Eastern Tahini Salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs swimming in a homemade tahini dressing. Serve with falafel, kabobs, or as an appetizer with pita wedges.

15 minutes6 servings135 kcal
Hummus B'Tahini (Hummus With Tahini)

Hummus B'Tahini (Hummus With Tahini)

Through trial and error, I’ve come up with a foolproof recipe for easy, delicious hummus that’s ready in 10 minutes and requires no food processor.

5 minutes4 servings443 kcal
Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)

Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)

Garlic Sauce, also known as Toum, is a thick, creamy, and flavorful Lebanese sauce. Served as a dip, a spread, or as a stand alone sauce, it only requires four ingredients!

10 minutes
Sesame Tahini Dressing

Sesame Tahini Dressing

A slightly sweet, salty dressing that's perfect over warm grains.

Grilled Tahini Chicken

Grilled Tahini Chicken

You'll love the Mediterranean flavors of this Grilled Tahini Chicken! Tahini gives the chicken a nutty flavor and keeps it tender and juicy.

87 minutes5 servings349 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Looking for a versatile, flavorful sauce to elevate your everyday meals? This vibrant Garlic Tahini Sauce, inspired by a classic Middle Eastern meze, is a delightful addition to roasted vegetables and so much more.

This sauce truly shines by bringing together a few simple yet powerful ingredients that create a profound flavor synergy. The natural richness of sesame tahini forms a wonderfully creamy, nutty base, which is then brilliantly cut and brightened by fresh lemon juice. The essential pungent kick of fresh garlic is carefully considered by removing its green shoots, ensuring a clean, focused garlic flavor without harshness.

You can anticipate a lusciously smooth sauce boasting a deeply savory and tangy profile, generously punctuated by the unmistakable warmth of garlic. Its creamy texture makes it incredibly versatile, perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading. The final touch of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes not only adds a beautiful visual contrast but also introduces a gentle, subtle warmth that enhances the overall experience without overpowering the core flavors. This sauce transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, making every bite feel gourmet.

Customization & Variations

YouYou have wonderful flexibility to tailor this sauce to your palate.

  • Experiment with the fresh lemon juice, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more, up to 4 tablespoons or beyond, until you reach your preferred balance of brightness and tang.
  • For a milder garlic note, consider a smaller portion of the garlic clove. If you're a garlic enthusiast, you might use a larger, but always remember to remove those green shoots for best flavor.
  • If Aleppo pepper isn't in your pantry, red pepper flakes are an excellent substitute for that subtle warmth and appealing visual pop. For a completely mild sauce, feel free to omit any pepper.

This exquisite Garlic Tahini Sauce is a phenomenal partner for roasted vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli, turning them into a show-stopping side dish or light main. It's equally delicious drizzled over falafel, tucked into a wrap, or served as a vibrant dip for fresh crudités and pita bread, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions