Tashi (Τahini) Dip
Tashi is a Cypriot vegan dip made with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It goes well with almost any food and this appetizer is served in all Cypriot restaurants.
The word "tashi" in the Cypriot dialect means tahini.
Tashi (tahini) is a food that is included in the list of the healthiest and nutritious options, with satisfactory calorific performance but at the same time with great nutritional value and beneficial properties.
It is an ideal substitute for animal proteins, especially during periods of fasting, as it contains a significant amount of vegetable proteins of high biological value, which act rejuvenating and anti-aging for the body.
This dip is similar to hummus, except that it does not contain chickpeas and has more creamy consistency, like mayonnaise.
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and is in the form of a thick paste.
It is usually very thick and if left a long time resting in the fridge, you will see that oil (sesame oil) is gathered on top. You do not have to worry about this as you just have to mix it well and it will become just fine.
To make the tahini sauce or dip this paste has to be thinned with water and then, together with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt it is pulsed in a food processor, adding a lit bit more water, until it resembles like a creamy mayonnaise.
The dip is wonderful as an accompaniment to many dishes and vegetables but also one of the many appetizers served in Cyprus.
It is a must with Falafel!
If you thin it more, it becomes a wonderful salad dressing. See my recipe for Greek Chickpea Salad with Quinoa and Tahini Sauce,
The recipe is included in my cookbook Mint, Cinnamon & Blossom Water, Flavours of Cyprus, Kopiaste!
Tashi (Τahini) Dip
Tashi is a Cypriot vegan dip made with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It goes well with almost any food and this appetizer is served in all Cypriot restaurants.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tahini
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 - 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
- A pinch of white pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor or bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, garlic,
olive oil, salt, and white pepper (if using). - Blend or whisk until the mixture thickens.
- Gradually add the lukewarm water, a little at a time, blending or
whisking continuously until the dip becomes smooth and creamy, similar in texture to mayonnaise. You may not need all the water. - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the chopped parsley or
coriander on top. - Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Store in the fridge, covered with cling film.
For a more light sauce, mix in 1 - 2 tablespoons of Greek Yoghurt or mayonnaise.
Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 905Total Fat 84gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 69gCholesterol 0mgSodium 590mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 6gSugar 1gProtein 21g
"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."
Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!
looks so delicious!
Oh, I'm addicted to tahini paste, so your yummy dip makes me drool! It's very similar to the Lebanese Tarator sauce...
Cheers,
Rosa
Creamy delicious. I make hummous at home never made thaini at home.
Love this:D
I had no idea it was this simple Ivy...great stuff!
I love tahini and hummus, I will give this is a try!
I've only ever used tahini to make hummus but never made it into a dip. Thanks for this Ivy.
I love this kind of dip, Ivy. It's so good on its own with pita, and equally good on chicken pitas or even salads. Mmm.
Love the simplicity of this and surely that plate and pittes vanished in no time!
I love sesame seeds paste all the time. I am just wondering why
the colour is white...thought it's yellowish.
Thanks everybody for your comments and tahini is really very easy to make.
Angie, tahini in its natural form is always a beige colour and it may get darker depending on how much the sesame seeds have been roasted. However, I do not know of any yellow tahini.
Oh yum yum Ivy. I love tahini dip!
Love tahini, hate the calories.
Such a creamy looking tahini paste - nice one Ivy 😀
You put this in front of me with pita and don't be expecting anyone else to have any. This would last me one episode of one of my favourite t.v. shows - no longer.