Hey there, my friend 👋. If you have never tried chipotle tahini, you are in for a treat. This creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce will take your meals to another level.
I love using it on everything—salads, roasted veggies, sandwiches, and even as a dip. The best part? It is super easy to make, and you only need a few ingredients. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (optional, if you are mixing by hand)
- Spatula
Important Info
- Servings: About 1 cup
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $4-$6, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: No cooking required
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 90 calories per tablespoon
- Cook method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: All seasons
- Courses: Condiment, Sauce, Spread
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diets: VeganDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, DairyFreeDiet
How to Make Chipotle Tahini
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- ½ cup tahini (stirred well)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or more if you like it spicier)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ⅓ cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Tahini | Cashew butter or sunflower seed butter |
| Chipotle pepper | Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon) |
| Lemon juice | Lime juice or apple cider vinegar |
| Garlic | Garlic powder (⅛ teaspoon) |
Instructions
- Add tahini, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and salt into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until everything is smooth. If it is too thick, add water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, more chipotle for spice, or more salt if needed.
- Transfer the sauce to a jar or bowl. Use immediately or store for later.
Helpful Tips
- If your tahini is too thick, add warm water to loosen it up.
- To make it extra smoky, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- If blending is not an option, whisk everything in a bowl. Just make sure to finely mince the chipotle pepper.
- The sauce thickens as it sits. Stir in a little water before using if needed.
What to Serve with Chipotle Tahini
This sauce goes with almost everything. You can drizzle it on roasted vegetables, grain bowls, tacos, or use it as a spread for sandwiches. It also makes an amazing dip for pita bread, chips, or raw veggies.
How Do You Serve Chipotle Tahini?
I love serving it in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil on top. If you are using it as a dip, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sesame seeds makes it look fancy.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch and keep it in the fridge for the week. It is also great for BBQs, potlucks, or casual gatherings because it pairs well with grilled foods.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If serving immediately, keep it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 hours at room temperature.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Stir before using, as tahini tends to thicken over time.
Freezing
- Pour into a small freezer-safe container or ice cube tray.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes, you can whisk everything in a bowl. Just make sure to finely mince the chipotle pepper so it blends well with the tahini.
How do I make it spicier?
Add an extra chipotle pepper or a teaspoon of adobo sauce. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
What if my tahini is too bitter?
Some tahini brands have a slightly bitter taste. To balance it out, add a little honey or maple syrup.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes. Just thin it out with more water or lemon juice to make it pourable.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
If your kids like a little spice, they will enjoy it. If not, you can reduce the chipotle pepper or use smoked paprika instead.
Meta Description
This chipotle tahini recipe is creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy. Perfect as a dip, sauce, or dressing. Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.