Celery Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, nutty, and bright with lemon, this tahini sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. The base is pure sesame paste whisked with fresh lemon juice, a little garlic, and a pinch of cumin — nothing fussy, nothing hidden. Adding ice water gradually is the real trick here: it transforms what starts as a seized, thick paste into a silky, pourable sauce with a texture that store-bought versions rarely match. A finishing touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a clean herbal note, though it's completely optional if you want to keep things simple. Since every ingredient is straightforward and plant-based, there's no need to scan labels or worry about sneaky additives. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a dip, or spoon it generously onto a grain bowl — this sauce earns its place in the regular rotation fast.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ½ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 3–5 tbsp ice water, plus more as needed
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin until the mixture seizes into a thick, pale paste.
- 2
Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition, until the sauce loosens to a smooth, pourable consistency that falls off the whisk in a slow, steady ribbon. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more for a thinner sauce.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!