Name: Creamy Tahini Sauce, Three Ways
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: Makes about 2 1/2 cups sauce
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup tahini; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 ripe avocados, cubed; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1 cup coarsely chopped English hothouse cucumber; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup fresh dill fronds

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Tahini can do everything. It's can take the form of a dressing, dip, or sauce.Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Rhoda Boone

Serve this ultra-creamy tahini sauce with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, or use it as a base for a silky avocado dip or an herby salad dressing.

Recipe information

Total Time
15 minutes
Yield
Makes about 2 1/2 cups sauce

Ingredients

For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:

2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup tahini

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Creamy Tahini Dip with Avocado:

2 ripe avocados, cubed

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon cumin

For the Creamy Tahini Dressing with Cucumber and Dill:

1 cup coarsely chopped English hothouse cucumber

1/4 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup fresh dill fronds

Preparation

Make the Creamy Tahini Sauce:
Step 1
Sprinkle garlic with salt on a cutting board, then use the side of a knife to smash into a paste. Transfer to a large bowl. Add tahini and 1 cup warm water. Whisk until smooth. Add parsley, lemon juice, oil, and cayenne and whisk to combine.
For the Creamy Tahini Dip with Avocado:
Step 2
Combine avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, cumin, and 1/2 cup Creamy Tahini Sauce in a large bowl, then mash with a fork until smooth. For a smoother texture, purée in a blender.
For the Creamy Tahini Dressing with Cucumber and Dill:
Step 3
Purée cucumber, buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and 1/2 cup Creamy Tahini Sauce in a blender until smooth. Add dill and pulse a few more times to combine.
Do Ahead
Step 4
Creamy Tahini Sauce can be stored in an airtight container and chilled for up to 7 days.

Recipe notes

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