It seems the tahini craze is here to stay as home cooks and professional chefs keep coming up with new ways to use this creamy, nutrient-rich condiment. Now, Mighty Sesame Co. is upping the game with the first-ever harissa-flavored tahini. (Buy it on Amazon here.)

That’s right: The maker of the original all-natural, squeeze-and-serve tahini has done it again with their new Harissa Tahini. (Epicurious anointed the original Mighty Sesame Tahini “The Best Tahini You Can Buy at the Store (or Online)“). Now, this new game-changer makes it easier than ever to add extra zip and a bit of heat to everything from dressings and dips to meat and veggies.

Harissa Tahini
(Courtesy Kayco)

The sesame experts make their tahini from the finest Ethiopian sesame seeds and serve it up in shake-and-squeeze bottles for maximum convenience. The new variety contains a blend of 100% natural harissa spices for a distinctively aromatic flavor profile with a kick.

But just what is harissa? Seen on nearly every Israeli, Moroccan and Tunisian table, it’s a paste made by blending roasted hot red peppers with other spices and herbs. This fragrant chili paste is often combined with garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, caraway and mint for a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. There are as many variations of harissa as there are grandmas who’ve passed their secrets down each generation. It can be hot or mild, smoky or pungent, depending on the ingredients and techniques involved.

Basically, all you need to know is harissa + tahini = yum!

Ready to take your tahini game to new heights? Mighty Sesame Co. invites you to see how Harissa Tahini can elevate your culinary repertoire with this easy recipe.

Subtle Spice Harissa Tahini Dip

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish
  • ¼ yellow onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup Mighty Sesame Harissa Tahini
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
  • ¼ tablespoon flaky sea salt for garnish

Directions

  1. In sauté pan, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until caramelized. Add garlic for the final 1-2 minutes.
  2. In small food processor, add Mighty Sesame Harissa Tahini, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. Add onion and garlic mixture, including oil, until well mixed.
  3. Adjust to desired consistency with hot water.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. For garnish, drizzle oil, pepper and sea salt right before serving.
  6. Serve with warm pita or a variety of vegetables for dipping, like carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli, asparagus, etc.

Reprinted with permission from Kayco.