What is Tahini Butter? The 'Butter' That's Nuttier. (2024)

If you close your eyes and imagine 'tahini butter', what do you see?

We see a chunky block of tahini, nestled in a butter dish.

Turns outit isn't literally a block of tahini shaped like butter (as one might think from the phrase).

Theimagesyou seearethe creations weget from DALL.E when weinvestigatedhowAI visualises 'tahini butter'. Sothen,what exactly is tahini butter and why are people talking about it?

What is tahini butter?

'Tahini butter'isa term growing in popularity.After we did some research, we can see that two things going on with the rise of this phrase.

The first is that both tahini and butter are being combined in recipesthatmix themtogetherand serve themwith sweet potatoes. The recipe that seems to have made tahini butter famous, isa mix of:

Can you use normal tahinias butter?

Absolutely.Artisanal Tahini withits creamy, rich texture canbe used muchlike butter. Slatherit straight on toast. Spread it on a sweet potato. Useit in place of butter in your baking recipes.

Remember, you don't need to mix tahini with butter to use it in these ways. Its texture and flavor alone makes tahini a versatile and delicious butter substitute.

Fun Fact: If you want to use tahini instead of butter in baking, try replacing every ½ cup of butter with a ½ cup of tahini and 1 tablespoon of water. Recommended especiallyfor choc chip cookies.

If you do want to experiment with adding vegan butter to tahini - we've got some ideas below.

How to make tahini butter at home

The OG version was first documented, we think, by Carla Lalli Music.

100% puretahini
Butter (vegan or dairy)
Lime juice
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Seasonings like kosher salt and pepper

Inspired and a little bit in love with the idea of tahini butter, here are some variations we've thought of:

Herby garlicky tahini butter🌿🧄

Ingredients:

Artisinal Tahini
Butter (vegan or dairy)
Fresh Garlic, minced
Fresh Herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or dill), finely chopped

Directions:

Start with a base of equal parts tahini and butter in a bowl
Add minced garlic to your liking.
Chop your choice of fresh herbs and mix them in.
Follow the same process as the original recipe, adjusting the taste with more herbs or garlic as needed.

Spicy tahini butter🌶️🧯

Ingredients:

Artisinal Tahini
Butter (vegan or dairy)
Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce
Paprika (optional)
Lime Juice

Directions:

Combine tahini and butter in equal parts.
Add chili flakes or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
For a smoky flavor, mix in a pinch of paprika.
Squeeze in some lime juice for a tangy twist.
Mix well and adjust the spiciness to your taste.

Sweet tahini butter🍯🥞

Ingredients:

Artisinal TahiniOR our totally natural
Butter (vegan or dairy)
Honey or Maple Syrup
Cinnamon (optional)
Vanilla Extract (optional)

Directions:

Blend equal parts of tahini and butter.
Stir in honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Mix well until you achieve a smooth, sweet spread.

Tahini vs butter

Tahini isn't trying to be butter, and butter isn't trying to be tahini. But seeing as thispost is all about the term 'tahini butter' - here's a quick round up of nutritional differences.

Nutritional Face-Off:

Tahini:

Nutrient Powerhouse: Tahini is the sesame seed sensation, loaded with essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and a decent dose of protein.
Heart-Healthy Fats: It's rich in unsaturated fats, the good guys that are kind to your heart.
Low in Cholesterol: Unlike butter, tahini has no cholesterol, making it a heart-friendly option.

Butter:

Vitamin-Rich: Butter is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D.
Saturated Fats: It has a higher amount of saturated fats, so moderation is key.
Cholesterol Content: Contains cholesterol, something to keep in mind for those watching their intake.

The Swap:Tahini Instead of Butter

If you're ever going to experiment swapping out straight butter for tahini we recommend putting it on your:

Veggies - tahini loves veggies. Drizzle it over roasted veggies or stir it into a salad dressing.
Toast, pancakes, or waffles - seriously so good. Spread tahini on these breakfast favorites for a nutty, tasty change.
Creamy Pasta Sauces: instead of butter, use tahini to create rich, creamy pasta sauces.
Mashed Potatoes: mix some tahini into your mashed potatoes instead of butter for a rich, velvety side dish.
Cookies, Cakes, Brownies: use tahini as a butter substitute in your baking recipes.

Here's our delicious tahini.And here are lots more tahini recipes.

FAQs

What is tahini butter? ›

Tahini is made of three ingredients: hulled sesame seeds, oil and sometimes salt. Hulled sesame seeds are typically toasted then ground and emulsified with oil to create a smooth, creamy seed butter with a pourable consistency.

Is tahini butter healthier than peanut butter? ›

They're both healthy, dietitians say. Tahini is lower in carbohydrates and sugars than peanut butter is making it a better choice for people who follow low-carb diets, Politi notes. Both foods are predominantly fat, though peanut butter has a little more protein, Young adds.

Where do I find tahini in the grocery store? ›

In most grocery stores, tahini is either in the aisle with other condiments like peanut butter or in the aisle with international foods. You can also find it at a specialty or Middle Eastern grocery. It is sold shelf-stable in glass or plastic jars and is not refrigerated.

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Is tahini butter good for you? ›

Highly nutritious

Tahini is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, just 1 tablespoon (15 grams) provides more than 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for some nutrients.

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Does tahini butter taste like peanut butter? ›

How Does Tahini Taste? Tahini has a very earthy flavor and is slightly bitter, but not overpowering. Although the spread resembles peanut butter and other nut butters, it does not have a similarly sweet flavor profile. The toasted sesame seed flavor shines through in this creamy, rich ingredient.

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Can too much tahini be bad for you? ›

Most nuts and seeds, including sesame seeds, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are described as “pro-inflammatory” because they can contribute to certain problems when they're consumed in high amounts. For that reason, nuts and seeds, including tahini, are best when eaten in moderation.

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What is the healthiest nut butter in the world? ›

Almond nut butter

With 200 calories, nearly 19 grams of fat, and almost 5 grams of protein, almond butter can help you bridge the gap between meals when you're hungry. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats as well as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

Keep Reading ›

Does tahini spike blood sugar? ›

Tahini is rich in polyunsaturated fats and bioactive plant compounds called lignans that have been shown to improve insulin secretion. In human studies, sesame consumption has been linked to improved serum glucose, hemoglobin A1C and insulin concentrations in patients with diabetes.

Why is tahini so expensive? ›

At the heart of every tahini jar lies the sesame seed. The quality of these seeds significantly influences the price. High-quality, ethically sourced sesame seeds can be pricier, contributing to the overall cost of the final product.

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Do you need to refrigerate tahini? ›

Do you need to refrigerate tahini? We recommend storing your tahini in a cool and dry area, away from heat and moisture. Ideally, a pantry a cabinet would be ideal. Like peanut butter, you can also store tahini in the refrigerator if you like it thicker.

Can you eat tahini straight from the jar? ›

Besides eating it straight out of the jar, spreading it on a sandwich or mixing it with chickpeas, garlic and lemon juice to make hummus, there's a laundry list of ways to use tahini.

Read On ›

What pairs well with tahini? ›

Tahini is a staple in North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean (Greek, Turkish, Israeli) cuisines, and it pairs well with eggplant, cilantro and yogurt (all popular in those cuisines, as well).

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How does tahini taste like? ›

Let's talk about what tahini should taste and feel like. It should be slightly thinner than peanut butter, but still have a creamy texture, and the flavor should be predominantly of toasted sesame. It should feel velvety, smooth and rich. The flavor should be savory and nutty.

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What can be a substitute for tahini? ›

Because tahini is the butter of sesame seeds, you might want to consider a nut or seed butter as a go-to substitute. Other options include greek yogurt and sesame oil. These tahini substitutes will complement your dish since they are all sources of healthy fats and contribute to a creamy consistency.

Does tahini taste like mayo? ›

Does tahini taste like mayonnaise? Although both are creamy and commonly used as condiments, the two have very different flavors and textures. Tahini is rich, nutty, and can be slightly bitter tasting. Mayonnaise is very smooth, light, and creamy.

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