Creative Ways To Use Tahini In Your Keto Diet

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of keto-friendly dishes. It is made from ground sesame seeds and has a smooth, nutty flavour. Tahini is low in carbs, providing only 1g net carb per 2-tablespoon serving, and is a good source of healthy fats, protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals. It can be purchased or made at home by grinding sesame seeds and mixing them with olive oil. Tahini can be used as a dip, a dressing, or a sauce, and is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It pairs well with vegetables, meats, and salads, and can also be used in keto desserts such as chocolate fat bombs.

Tahini as a keto salad dressing

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of keto-friendly ways, one of which is as a salad dressing. Here are some tips and recipes for using tahini as a keto salad dressing:

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, giving it a nutty flavour and creamy texture. It is naturally low in carbs, gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free, making it a great alternative to peanut butter or other nut-based spreads. When used as a salad dressing, tahini adds a unique, nutty flavour to your greens and vegetables.

Simple Tahini Dressing Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tahini (store-bought, unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (store-bought or fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia
• 2 cloves garlic, grated, fresh
• Pinch of black pepper, ground
• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a blender and blend until uniform.
• Slowly add olive oil to the blender and emulsify.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

You can customise your tahini dressing by adding different ingredients to create unique flavours:

• Spicy variation: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herby variation: Add 1/2 cup of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, chives, or mint for a fresh, green tahini sauce.
• Sweet variation: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (or their zero-sugar alternatives) for a touch of sweetness.
• Yogurt variation: Stir in 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt for a creamier texture and a tangy flavour.

This tahini dressing can be used as a drizzle over salads, raw or cooked vegetables, falafel, bowls, noodles, and meats. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Tahini as a dip for cucumbers, tomatoes, or carrots

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways to elevate your keto meals. One simple yet delicious idea is to use tahini as a dip for cucumbers, tomatoes, or carrots. Here's how you can make a tasty and healthy dip using tahini:

Ingredients:

• Tahini paste
• Olive oil (extra virgin or regular) or sesame oil
• Lemon juice (fresh or bottled) or lime juice
• Garlic (fresh cloves or jarred) or garlic powder
• Water
• Spices (cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, etc.)
• Optional: fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, chives, or mint

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Adjust the amounts of each ingredient according to your taste preferences.
• Puree the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
• If you prefer a thinner dip, gradually add more water to the mixture, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Transfer the dip to a bowl and serve it alongside freshly cut cucumbers, tomatoes, or carrots.

This tahini dip is not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious. It's naturally low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free. The nutty flavor of tahini pairs exceptionally well with the crispness of cucumbers, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the crunch of carrots. You can also use this dip for other raw or cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers or eggplant.

Tahini as a sauce for grilled chicken

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of keto-friendly dishes, including grilled chicken. Here are some tips and instructions for using tahini as a sauce for grilled chicken:

Choosing the Right Tahini

When making a tahini sauce for grilled chicken, it is important to choose a good quality tahini. Look for a brand that has a creamy, runny texture. Soom tahini is a popular choice and is known for its drippy consistency. Their tahini is made from roasted and pressed sesame seeds, giving it a smooth, nutty flavour.

Preparing the Tahini Sauce

To make the tahini sauce, simply combine tahini with other ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. You can also add water to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency. For a more flavourful sauce, use fresh garlic cloves and squeeze fresh lemon juice. You can also experiment with different variations, such as adding herbs, maple syrup or honey, or plain Greek yoghurt.

Marinating the Chicken

Tahini is an excellent ingredient for marinades as it helps to tenderise the meat and adds a nutty flavour. To marinate the chicken, whisk together the tahini sauce with ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the marinade in a bowl or a plastic freezer bag, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour or up to 4 hours.

Grilling the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-425° F. Clean and oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on them. Grill the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled tahini chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with lemon dill rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. It also pairs well with a barley salad, vegetables, or couscous. For a complete meal, serve the grilled tahini chicken with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

Tahini as a base for keto chocolate treats

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of keto-friendly recipes, including chocolate treats. Here are some ideas for using tahini as a base for keto chocolate treats:

Keto Chocolate Tahini Fat Bombs

These nut-free treats taste like peanut butter cups! The combination of tahini and chocolate creates a peanut butter-chocolate flavour. The cacao butter helps to hold everything together, but you can also use coconut oil. The sweetener used can be any low-carb powdered variety, but granulated low-carb sweetener can also be used, although the texture may be grainier.

Keto Tahini Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Coconut

These cookies have a delightful trio of flavours - sweet and rich with a nutty taste. The tahini, along with the chocolate and coconut, creates a soft and chewy texture. The monk fruit sweetener is preferred as it doesn't have the cooling aftertaste that erythritol can give. However, erythritol, Swerve, or granulated allulose monk fruit sweetener can also be used. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be used instead of butter, and dairy-free chocolate can be chosen.

Other Ideas

Tahini can also be used in keto chocolate treats such as keto chocolate bark bites and gooey peanut butter chocolate lava cakes. Simply substitute tahini for the nut butter in these recipes.

Tahini as a sauce for keto-friendly cauliflower

Tahini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various keto-friendly recipes, including roasted cauliflower. Here are some tips and instructions for using tahini as a sauce for keto-friendly cauliflower:

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients to make the tahini sauce and roasted cauliflower:

• Tahini paste
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic (fresh cloves or powder)
• Spices (cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper)
• Fresh cauliflower
• Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, chives, mint), red pepper flakes, garlic powder

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Tahini Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine tahini paste, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Puree until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or mint for extra flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut a head of fresh cauliflower into florets. Rinse and pat dry the florets, then toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 425-450°F. Roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is golden brown and tender.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the tahini sauce onto a serving platter. Place the roasted cauliflower florets on top of the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or flaky finishing salt. Serve immediately as a keto-friendly side dish or appetizer.

Tips:

• Tahini sauce is a creamy, nutty, and tangy sauce made from ground sesame seeds. It is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free.
• When roasting the cauliflower, use a hot oven and preheat your empty sheet pan to jump-start the caramelization process and ensure even browning.
• Don't overcrowd the vegetables on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
• The fresh mint or other herbs add a bright, herbaceous element to the dish, so don't skip them!

Frequently asked questions