tahini

[ tuh-hee-nee, tah- ]

noun

, Middle Eastern Cooking.

1. a paste made of ground sesame seeds.

tahini

/ təˈhiːnə; təˈhiːnɪ /

noun

1. a paste made from sesame seeds originating in the Middle East, often used as an ingredient of hummus and other dips

Word History and Origins

Origin of tahini¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; Levantine Arabic ṭaḥīni (standard Arabic ṭaḥīna ), derivative of ṭaḥana “to crush, grind”; compare Hebrew tākhan “to crush, grind”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tahini¹

from Arabic

Example Sentences

Even soft-serve ice cream impresses us when it’s flavored with tahini caramel and delivered in a delicate glass tea cup.

From Washington Post

Once it’s out of the oven, a little crisp on the edges but custardy inside, you drizzle it with tahini dressing and pile some sharp arugula on top.

From Washington Post

Her idea to use tahini when building a sesame sauce is genius.

From Eater

Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Onion With Tahini and Za’atar.

From Washington Post

Gradually and sparingly add water while stirring the tahini quickly with a fork.

From The Daily Beast