Israeli Techina
Authentic Israeli Techina Recipe - Perfect Dip & Topping
Introduction
Israeli Techina is a creamy and flavorful sauce made from sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. It is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served as a condiment or dip.
History
Techina has been a part of Israeli cuisine for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the Middle East. It is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, from falafel to grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 0.5 bottle of sesame paste
- chopped garlic
- salt
- pepper
- lemon juice
How to prepare
- Slowly add water and mix until it becomes white.
- Add chopped garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to taste.
Variations
- You can customize Israeli Techina by adding herbs like parsley or cilantro, or spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When making Israeli Techina, be sure to slowly add water to the sesame paste to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more garlic, lemon juice, or spices as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Israeli Techina can be served as a dip for pita bread or vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats or falafel.
Cooking Techniques
To make Israeli Techina, slowly mix water into the sesame paste until it becomes white and creamy. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, adjusting to taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have sesame paste, you can use tahini as a substitute in this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
Israeli Techina can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Israeli Techina in a small bowl drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Israeli Techina pairs well with dishes like falafel, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Israeli Techina in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Israeli Techina contains approximately 100 calories.
Carbohydrates
Israeli Techina is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
Fats
Sesame paste, the main ingredient in Israeli Techina, is high in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats.
Proteins
Israeli Techina is not a significant source of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Sesame paste is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for bone health and energy production.
Alergens
Israeli Techina contains sesame, which is a common allergen. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.
Summary
Israeli Techina is a nutritious and flavorful sauce that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a great addition to a variety of dishes.
Summary
Israeli Techina is a delicious and versatile sauce that is easy to make at home. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Israeli techina. It was back in the 1960s, during a visit to my friend Rachel's house in Tel Aviv. Rachel was an amazing cook, and she always had the most delicious dishes to share with me.
On this particular day, she invited me into her kitchen to watch her make techina from scratch. As she mixed the sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice, and water together, the room filled with the most incredible aroma. I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the ingredients and the complexity of the flavors they created together.
I begged Rachel to show me how to make techina, and she graciously agreed. We spent the entire day in her kitchen, her patiently guiding me through each step of the process. I watched as she toasted the sesame seeds to bring out their nutty flavor, and then ground them into a smooth paste. She showed me how to balance the acidity of the lemon juice with the richness of the sesame paste, and how to adjust the consistency of the techina with water.
By the end of the day, I had a jar of homemade techina to take home with me. I was overjoyed at the thought of being able to recreate this delicious condiment in my own kitchen.
Over the years, I have made techina countless times, each batch slightly different from the last. I have experimented with adding herbs and spices, adjusting the proportions of the ingredients, and even trying different types of sesame seeds. But no matter how many variations I try, I always come back to the simple, classic recipe that Rachel taught me all those years ago.
I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations. Each time I make techina, I am transported back to that day in Rachel's kitchen, the smell of sesame and garlic filling the air, the warmth of her guidance wrapping around me like a hug.
Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, mixing together the sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice, and water, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. This recipe for Israeli techina is more than just a condiment – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the friendships and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today.
As I taste the finished techina, the flavors bursting on my tongue, I am filled with gratitude for Rachel and all of the other wonderful cooks who have shared their recipes with me over the years. I may not have traveled the world, but through their recipes, I have tasted the flavors of far-off lands and experienced the joy of cooking with love and passion. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Categories
| Israeli Recipes | Israeli Soups |