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Tashi (Τahini) Dip

Tashi (Τahini) Dip

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Tashi is a Cypriot vegan dip made with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It goes well with almost any food and this appetizer is served in all Cypriot restaurants.

The word “tashi” in the Cypriot dialect means tahini.

Tashi (tahini) is a food that is included in the list of the healthiest and nutritious options, with satisfactory calorific performance but at the same time with great nutritional value and beneficial properties.

It is an ideal substitute for animal proteins, especially during periods of fasting, as it contains a significant amount of vegetable proteins of high biological value, which act rejuvenating and anti-aging for the body.

This dip is similar to hummus, except that it does not contain chickpeas and has more creamy consistency, like mayonnaise.

Collage Tashi dip photo

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and is in the form of a thick paste.

It is usually very thick and if left a long time resting in the fridge, you will see that oil (sesame oil) is gathered on top.  You do not have to worry about this as you just have to mix it well and it will become just fine.

tahini sauce image

To make the tahini sauce or dip this paste has to be thinned with water and then, together with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt it is pulsed in a food processor, adding a lit bit more water, until it resembles like a creamy mayonnaise.

The dip is wonderful as an accompaniment to many dishes and vegetables but also one of the many appetizers served in Cyprus.

It is a must with Falafel!

Falafel on Greek pita bread image

If you thin it more, it becomes a wonderful salad dressing. See my recipe for Greek Chickpea Salad with Quinoa and Tahini Sauce,

The recipe is included in my cookbook Mint, Cinnamon & Blossom Water, Flavours of Cyprus, Kopiaste!

Tashi (Τahini) Dip

Tashi (Τahini) Dip

Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Tashi is a Cypriot vegan dip made with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It goes well with almost any food and this appetizer is served in all Cypriot restaurants.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tahini
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • 1 - 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup lukewarm water
  • 1 tsp parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
  • A pinch of white pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Put the tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper In a food processor and pulse.
  2. Add the water gradually (not necessarily all) until it becomes creamy, like mayonnaise 
  3. Sprinkle with some parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) on top.
  4. Serve with pita bread.

Notes

Store in the fridge, covered with cling film.

For a more light sauce, mix in 1 - 2 tablespoons of Greek Yoghurt or mayonnaise.

Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 905Total Fat 84gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 69gCholesterol 0mgSodium 590mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 6gSugar 1gProtein 21g

"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."

Did you make this recipe?

Tried this recipe? Tag me @ivyliac and use the hashtag #kopiaste!

Collage Tashi - Tahini dip image

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!

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~katie

Sunday 17th of May 2009

I am SOOOO addicted to tahini, seriously. It's becoming a problem. This looks YUMMY as ever :)

Trish Lathourakis

Saturday 21st of March 2009

Hello Ivy

I love this dip. Your's look fabulous, nice and smooth. It is funny as I made it for a Cypriot friend of mine as he had never heard of it, but he hated it as it was too heavy for him, whereas a lot of my family love it.

Nice pics too : )

(oh I'm actually making Flaounes today, so photos should be up shortly. Would love o see your recipe for them)

Trish

Núria

Wednesday 18th of March 2009

I have never tried it Ivy! But love to know about traditional Chipriot recipes :D

RecipeGirl

Tuesday 17th of March 2009

Delicious- and I love those long, skinny dishes too :)

Teresa

Tuesday 17th of March 2009

Ivy, hello my friend. What a wonderful sauce. I like sesame seeds but had no idea that there was a paste available. I will have to look for it. Thank you sweetie.

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