Tahini is a smooth paste made from finely ground sesame seeds, commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It has a creamy, nutty flavor and a slightly bitter edge, often blended with lemon juice, garlic, or water to make sauces and dressings. Pronounced with a soft initial and a stress on the second syllable, it’s a familiar ingredient in hummus, dressings, and dips.
Full pronunciation guide