Even though it is called a “sauce” in English, Tahini is actually served on plates with the opening salad courses in the Middle East. Use it to dip bread, falafel, grilled meats, and more. Tahini can be purchase in Middle Eastern, Indian, organic, and health food stores, or in the international aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients:

¾ cup tahini
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of chili powder, or to taste
Dash of paprika
Preparation:

Place tahini in a medium bowl. Add lemon juice and stir to form a thick paste. Add water, a tablespoon at a time (approximately ½ cup total), until tahini becomes light and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. Transfer to a small serving plate or bowl and using the back of the spoon, smooth out the surface, and make circle designs on the top. Sprinkle top with paprika. Serve cold or at room temperature as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to kofta.