Tahini Dip Recipe from Cyprus with Garlic, Lemons, and Olive Oil

Tahini Dip

Tahini Dip Recipe from Cyprus with Garlic, Lemons, and Olive Oil
Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tahini Dip
Tahini Dip

Tahini dip is a creamy and flavorful Middle Eastern condiment made from sesame paste, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is a versatile dip that can be served with vegetables, pita bread, or as a sauce for grilled meats.

History

Tahini dip has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Levant region, where sesame seeds are abundant. The combination of tahini paste, lemon juice, and olive oil has been a popular flavor profile in the region for generations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Combine all the ingredients, beating vigorously.
  2. This is best achieved using a food processor.
  3. Add enough cold water until the mixture reaches a pouring consistency.

Variations

  • Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
  • Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  • Drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality tahini paste for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to suit your taste preferences.

- For a smoother consistency, blend the ingredients in a food processor until creamy.

- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tahini dip with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a sauce for grilled meats.

Cooking Techniques

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice instead of fresh lemons.

- Substitute ground coriander for cumin seeds.

Make Ahead Tips

Tahini dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve tahini dip with falafel, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store tahini dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tahini dip contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tahini dip contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tahini dip contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of tahini dip contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tahini dip is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

Tahini dip contains sesame seeds, which may be allergenic to some individuals.

Summary

Tahini dip is a nutritious and flavorful condiment that is rich in healthy fats and essential minerals.

Summary

Tahini dip is a delicious and nutritious condiment that is easy to make and versatile in its uses. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful dip with your favorite dishes for a taste of the Middle East.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah's house for a backyard barbecue. As we chatted and laughed, Sarah disappeared into her kitchen and emerged with a bowl of creamy, smooth tahini dip. She placed it on the table next to a platter of fresh vegetables and pita bread, and I couldn't resist dipping a carrot stick into the luscious mixture.

The flavors exploded in my mouth – tangy lemon, nutty sesame, and the subtle kick of garlic. I was hooked. I begged Sarah for the recipe, and she generously shared it with me. Little did I know that this simple dip would become a staple in my own kitchen, a recipe that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made this tahini dip countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, served it at parties and gatherings, and each time, it has been met with rave reviews. But the story of how I learned to make this delicious dip goes back further than that summer day at Sarah's house.

You see, my love for cooking was instilled in me at a young age by my own grandmother, a woman who was a culinary genius in her own right. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up a feast with just a few simple ingredients. I spent countless hours by her side, watching and learning as she cooked, absorbing her knowledge and skills like a sponge.

One day, as we were cooking together, my grandmother pulled out an old, tattered recipe book from a dusty shelf. She flipped through the yellowed pages, her fingers tracing the handwritten notes and annotations that filled the margins. She stopped at a page that was stained with splatters of sauce and grease, and she smiled.

"This," she said, pointing to the recipe for tahini dip, "is one of my favorites. I learned how to make it from a dear friend many years ago, and it has been a staple in our family ever since."

As she showed me how to mix the ingredients together, I listened intently, committing every step to memory. The creamy tahini, the tart lemon juice, the pungent garlic – each ingredient was added with care and precision, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on the palate.

As we sat down to eat, my grandmother watched with pride as I dipped a piece of pita bread into the tahini dip and took a bite. The look of sheer delight on my face made her smile, knowing that she had passed down not just a recipe, but a piece of her legacy to me.

Years passed, and my grandmother's recipe for tahini dip became a beloved favorite in my own household. I made it for my children, who in turn made it for their own families. Each time I prepare this dip, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love and passion she poured into her cooking.

So, as I sit here now, stirring together the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the generations of women who have passed down this recipe to me. It is more than just a dip – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and tradition that binds us together.

And as I take a taste of the finished product, I am transported back to that summer day at Sarah's house, where I first fell in love with this magical recipe. It is a simple dish, but it is filled with memories and stories, a testament to the power of food to bring us together and nourish both body and soul.

I may have learned how to make tahini dip from a friend, but the true origins of this recipe lie in the rich tapestry of my family's culinary history. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Categories

| Cypriot Recipes | Cypriot Snacks | Dip Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Tahini Recipes |

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