Paraben Free Classic Tahini Sauce
Creamy, nutty, and bright with fresh lemon, this tahini sauce comes together in minutes with nothing but a bowl and a whisk. The magic happens when ice water is added gradually — the sauce transforms from a seized, thick paste into a silky, pourable ribbon that clings beautifully to whatever you drizzle it over. Garlic and cumin give it a gentle savory depth, while the optional parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that makes it feel restaurant-worthy. For anyone navigating paraben concerns, the real win here is how completely transparent the ingredient list is — whole sesame paste, fresh lemon juice, a single clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt. No preservatives, no packaged shortcuts, no mystery additives hiding in a store-bought bottle. It works as a dip for roasted vegetables, a drizzle over grain bowls, or a sauce for falafel, and it stores easily in an airtight container so you can make a batch ahead and reach for it all week.
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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.
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