Tahini Gravy Recipe (Vegan + Gluten-Free) - From My Bowl (2024)

FAQs

Why do vegans eat tahini? ›

Tahini is a beneficial ingredient, especially for those following a plant-based diet that needs extra protein, omega fatty acids, and essential nutrients like iron.

It is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. A good source of calcium; it is high in vitamin E, B2, B1,B15, B3, and B5, and high in unsaturated fat (the good fat). Its easy to digest and is a 20% complete protein, making it a higher protein source than most nuts.

Masa Harina for Thickening Gravy

Gluten free cooks need to learn new ways to thicken gravy. Cornstarch is a common thickener but this recipe uses masa harina. Masa harina, or masa, is corn flour treated with lime. You may recognize the distinct taste if you've ever had freshly made soft corn tortillas or tamales.

What is tahini sauce? Tahini sauce is a Middle Eastern condiment that is served with many dishes from the region. It's made with only 3 main ingredients: tahini paste, which is crushed sesame seeds, lemon juice, and garlic. Tahini is made by grinding toasted, hulled sesame seeds to create a creamy, smooth spread.

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to sesame. Foods to avoid if they have a sesame allergy include foods containing sesame seeds, sesame oil, and tahini. Sesame reactions can range from a mild sensitivity to a severe allergy. A severe allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening situation.

Tahini also has selenium. It acts as an antioxidant and helps lower inflammation in the body. Studies show sesamol, a natural chemical found in sesame seeds and sesame oil, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits. Other studies suggest it also has strong anti-cancer effects.

Tahini is rich in polyunsaturated fats and bioactive plant compounds called lignans that have been shown to improve insulin secretion.

May support hormone balance and improve female hormone levels: Sesame seeds, the main ingredient in tahini, contain lignans, which have been shown to have estrogenic properties and may help to support hormone balance in women.

Tahini is defined as a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are gluten-free because they belong to the nut family and do not contain any wheat. Hooray! That means that if you follow a gluten-free diet, you can eat tahini and foods containing it.

What is the best alternative flour for gravy? ›

Cornstarch is probably the most readily available ingredient to sub in for flour in your gluten-free gravy—and you probably already have it in your pantry. The only catch is you'll skip the roux-making process. Once you've deglazed your roasting pan and added stock, transfer about 1 cup stock mixture to a medium bowl.

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

Tahini with unhulled sesame seed contains more phytonutrients than peanut butter, and, for many people, is easier to digest than almond butter. Tahini is also a versatile ingredient because it's flavor is more neutral than most nut butters.

Tahini paste is just ground sesame seeds. Period. In comparison, tahini sauce is made by thinning the paste to a consistency similar to a thick cream, typically by adding other ingredients. My family's recipe adds lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to our tahini sauce.

Bitterness is generally part and parcel of tahini - it's how ground sesame seeds taste. What you will find, however, is that some tahini can taste more bitter than others. This is down to a few things; like how that particular tahini is processed, or the levels of something called oxalic acid in the hulls of the seeds.

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. It's rich in important nutrients like fiber, protein, copper, phosphorus, and selenium and may reduce heart disease risk and inflammation.

As seen above, tahini is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Studies have shown that consuming these types of fats can lower harmful cholesterol levels as well as lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. The calcium and magnesium in tahini may also work to decrease blood pressure naturally.

Tahini with unhulled sesame seed contains more phytonutrients than peanut butter, and, for many people, is easier to digest than almond butter. Tahini is also a versatile ingredient because it's flavor is more neutral than most nut butters. Few people have seed allergies.

Tahini boosts flavor in baked goods

Along with boosting the flavor, because of its protein and fat content, the sesame paste makes most baked goods more moist without added oil. It also contributes antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to a recipe's nutritional profile.