Tahini Maple Party Dip- Easy and Delicious

The flavors of creamy tahini and sweet maple syrup are a match made in heaven!

I combined them both in my new favorite tahini dip which tastes delicious with roasted vegetables, especially roasted carrots, or with sliced raw vegetables. The dip is easy to make, vegan, gluten-free and absolutely delicious! 

With only 4 ingredients, it couldn't be easier! However, don't let the simplicity of this recipe fool you-

I served it at a dinner party and it was a big hit with everyone !!

Origins of Tahini

Tahini is a staple in many countries including the Middle East, Turkey, and Iran. What I did not know is that it has a history in other countries such as Korea, China, and Japan. 

Tahini did not make its way to the United States until the 1940's when health food stores began to slowly introduce it. 

I first tasted tahini at age 16 (1966) on a vacation in Israel. In Israel, they put tahini on falafel which is a street food that is as popular as pizza is in the US. 

Falafel with tahini

Truthfully, I barely remember tasting it. However, I was re-introduced to it at age 19 when I met my husband (and his family) who was born and grew up in Cairo, Egypt.  

His mom (who was eventually to be my MIL) thinned tahini to make a simple tahini sauce that she used on a multitude of dishes which included making creamy homemade hummus, drizzling a tahini sauce over roasted cauliflower, or mixing it into a salad dressing instead of mayonnaise.

What is Tahini? 

Tahini is an Arabic word which translates to literally mean, "ground sesame seeds." It is sometimes called sesame paste and is made from grinding toasted sesame seeds. 

Where can I purchase Tahini? 

It can be purchased in a jar or can in most supermarkets, Whole Foods Markets, Trader Joe etc. It is basically a thick paste that is intended to be thinned out with water and lemon juice to make a simple sauce.

Nutritional Information: 

One tablespoon of tahini paste provides

•  3 grams of protein
•  2  grams of fiber 
•  Valuable minerals (phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, selenium,   calcium, manganese)
•  Essential vitamins (B-vitamins) 

The Recipe for Tahini Maple Syrup Dip

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup of tahini paste 

1/4 cup of water +2 tablespoons

1/4 cup or more to taste lemon juice 

1/4 cup of real maple syrup

optional: cumin powder 

Directions: 

Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium size bowl for about 2 minutes or until completely smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add a small amount of water at a time and keep whisking until it reaches a thinner consistency. 

 

My Notes: 

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.