Green Tahini Spread! This delicious spread is made with tahini -- a ground sesame seed paste -- and is so versatile! Use it as a dip, spread or dressing for an unexpected creamy richness without any dairy. The addition of flax oil lends added benefits to this nutritious spread!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Barlean’s, as a part of my ongoing partnership as part of their Blogger Team. As always, all opinions here are my own.
We will soon be entering the month of all things green, and while there's not a lick of Irish in this Green Tahini Spread, I figured it might be a good time to post the recipe for those who {like me} prefer being festive with no artificial colors involved.
In fact, this spread is actually pretty nutritious! {And tasty, of course.} I had never even heard of green tahini spread until I happened upon a vendor at our local Green Market who was selling various dips and spreads. The verdant color of this spread immediately caught my eye, so I picked some up to take home and fell in love at first bite.
Made with tahini {ground sesame seeds}, this spread/dip is bursting with all sorts of nutritional benefits like healthy fats, B vitamins and even protein. But, as is usually the case, I couldn't leave well enough alone and I thought I would amp up the healthy-factor by adding one of my favorite plant-based powerhouse ingredients: Barlean's Flax oil.
Flax oil is replete with Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis, depression and is great for your skin. {I read somewhere that it fights the appearance of cellulite by boosting collagen, and I've been a fan ever since. Ha.} You can use flax oil in so many cooking applications -- in dressings, dips, smoothies and even stirred into yogurt -- that it makes an ideal way to get an extra nutritional boost without much effort.
It's important to note that flax oil should not be heated over 225 degrees Fahrenheit as it is prone to oxidation and will lose its nutritional benefits. But, by all means, feel free to experiment with drizzling it over cooked foods once they're removed from the heat!
This spread gets its green hue from a hefty handful of cilantro, which plays nicely with the nutty tahini, lemon juice and garlic that help to give it its unique flavor. {The tahini and flax oil give it a slight bitterness, so it may take some getting used to at first, but after a few bites I think you'll find it's pretty addictive!} It is incredibly simple to blitz together in the blender for a quick dip to serve with vegetables or pita chips. Thinned with a little extra water, it's perfect for drizzling over salads, proteins or grains.
There may be nothing that links this spread to the Emerald Isle except the color, but I think you'll feel pretty "lucky" that something so simple and delicious is actually good for you, too!
Green Tahini Spread
Ingredients
- ¾ cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon Barlean's Flax Oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup lemon juice Juice from ½ a lemon
- ½ cup water *
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- The spread may seem slightly runny at first but will thicken up as it chills in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to marry. Serve with crudites, crackers or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
