Tahina: Preparation and Uses

Tahina is the other name of tahini, when pronounced in Hebrew. it is a Middle Eastern ground sesame paste used in cooking. The paste is prepared from hulled, lightly roasted sesame seeds, & is a major component of several Middle Eastern dishes. However, there is a difference between the Middle Eastern tahina & the East Asian sesame paste. While tahina is made of hulled seeds, the East Asian sesame paste is prepared from unhulled seeds. Besides, the East Asian sesame paste is relatively bitterer as well as higher on various nutrients.
Etymological details of ‘tahina’: As already said, ‘tahina’ is the Hebrew pronunciation of the word ‘tahini’. The word ‘tahini’ is used in English as an Arabic loanword, which means ‘to grind’. Tahini originated in Iran as ‘ardeh’ or the ‘holy food’.
Tahina can be easily prepared at home or can be bought at a Middle Eastern grocer. The homemade tahina can be prepared with the help of sesame seeds & olive oil. Given below are the steps needed to be followed for the preparation of tahina at home:
Preparing Tahina
The oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The sesame seeds are then placed on a baking sheet & spread evenly on it, so that none of them are in contact with each other. The seeds are then baked for 10 minutes, or till the time we release a pleasant smell. After toasting the sesame seeds, we're removed from the oven & allowed to nice. The seeds are put in to a blender after being cooled. Olive oil is added to the seeds. The sesame seeds are then perfectly blended until it takes the form of a thick paste. The tahina paste is then ready to be stored in the refrigerator. Uses of Tahina
The tahina paste is a vital ingredient that is used not only in a large number of Middle Eastern dishes, but also in other cuisines. In plenty of Israeli & Arab restaurants, tahina-based sauces are used as side dishes. it is a popular condiment in the Middle Eastern cuisine for vegetables & meat. Even in soups, tahina is a compulsory ingredient. In spite of its flavor & texture being different, if used as a spread, it can be used to replace peanut butter on bread. Tahina is gradually becoming a part of the European cuisine as well since it is often used in some pre-packaged sandwiches.
Tahina is obtainable in the market & is inexpensive. it is indeed a useful ingredient that can make any dish a delicacy with a dash of it.
by:NuTKung