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Tahini Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

This Tahini Yogurt Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and versatile condiment that combines smooth tahini paste with plain yogurt or kefir. Enhanced with garlic, salt, and pepper, and optionally brightened with lemon juice and enriched with olive oil, this sauce pairs perfectly with salads, grilled vegetables, meats, and as a dip. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's a quick and healthy addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ¾ cup plain yogurt or plain milk kefir, or vegan yogurt
  • ¼ cup tahini paste, stirred
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or substitute ½ teaspoon granulated garlic)
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (recommended if using fat-free yogurt)
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro, or chives for garnish
  • Aleppo chili flakes or Urfa biber for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the yogurt, tahini paste, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well combined.
  2. Add Lemon Juice: Taste the sauce, then add the optional lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor, as some yogurts vary in tartness.
  3. Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your personal preference to balance the flavors perfectly.
  4. Enhance Richness: If you are using fat-free yogurt, stir in a teaspoon of olive oil to add richness, or alternatively, increase the amount of tahini paste to achieve a creamier texture.
  5. Chill the Sauce: Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro, or chives, and sprinkle with Aleppo chili flakes or Urfa biber for a touch of color and gentle heat.

Notes

  • This sauce can be made vegan by using a plant-based yogurt alternative.
  • Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for pungency.
  • Add olive oil only if using low-fat or fat-free yogurt to improve texture and mouthfeel.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Experiment with herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile for different dishes.
  • This sauce pairs beautifully with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, roasted vegetables, and grilled proteins.