There is just something so wildly addictive about the unique taste of tahini. It can be used in a variety of dishes or on its own as a spread or dip. Unfortunately, it always seems that most of the tastiest treats out there are also the ones that aren’t exactly great for our waistline. While eating tahini to excess certainly won’t do you any favors on the weight front, there are ways you can enjoy it without gaining weight.
Make Your Own Healthy Tahini
One of the best ways to enjoy tahini is to make your own. By making your own raw tahini, you will be aware of what’s in it, which also means it won’t contain unhealthy additives and preservatives. For those who haven’t made this tasty Middle Eastern treat before, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised at just how easy and quick it is. Making tahini at home is also much more economical and you’ll find the flavor more natural and authentic.
Here’s a simple raw tahini recipe you can use at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds, raw untoasted
- 2 cups water
Directions
- Place all the ingredients in a glass container, cover tightly, store in the fridge for at least four hours.
- Remove the container from the refrigerator, drain, rinse, and then place the tray back in the fridge for at least four hours.
- Remove container from fridge, place contents in a food processor or blender and blend until it is a thick but smooth consistency.
- Store tahini in an air-tight container. It can be enjoyed for seven days or stored in the freezer for up to three weeks.
If you find yourself pressed for time, there is a faster way to make tahini. All you need to do is place one cup of raw untoasted sesame seeds in a food processor and blend until it reaches the consistency you like. Be sure to scrape the sides of the container often so that everything is blended. This method is just as tasty, but not quite as healthy.
Use Tahini as a Flavoring Instead
While tahini tastes fantastic as a dip or spread, you will most definitely be consuming a lot more calories eating it this way. Instead, use it as a flavoring in other items. You’ll still be able to enjoy that same flavor but in a much more diluted sense. For example, add tahini to a salad dressing or marinade.
Remember the Ping Pong Ball Rule
If you decide you prefer tahini on its own, then you will want to stick to the ping pong ball rule. What this means is that you should stick to one ping pong ball’s worth of tahini per day, which is about two tablespoons. You’ll be able to enjoy that fantastic flavor and all the benefits of the calcium and vitamin B found in tahini, but you won’t be going overboard on calories and fat.
A Tasty and Healthy Treat to Enjoy
By following these rules and making your own tahini, you’ll be able to enjoy this tasty and healthy treat without having to worry about gaining weight.