15 Thanksgiving Recipes With Tahini for Middle Eastern Holiday Fusion

Tahini Roasted Brussels Sprouts

tahini brussels sprouts recipe

Tahini Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delightful and nutritious side dish that adds a unique nutty flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. This easy-to-make recipe combines the earthiness of Brussels sprouts with the creamy richness of tahini, creating a savory experience that is sure to please your guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts 1 pound
Tahini ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Paprika (optional) ½ teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in the tahini mixture until well-coated.
  5. Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast!

Creamy Tahini Mashed Potatoes

creamy tahini mashed potatoes

Creamy Tahini Mashed Potatoes are a rich and indulgent twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish. By incorporating tahini, these mashed potatoes achieve a velvety texture and a nutty flavor that elevates the traditional dish, making it a standout addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients Quantity
Potatoes (Yukon gold) 2 pounds
Tahini ¼ cup
Unsweetened almond milk 1 cup
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Chives (for garnish) 2 tablespoons (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot of cold salted water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add tahini, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
  4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, adjusting the almond milk for desired consistency.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Spiced Tahini Pumpkin Soup

creamy spiced tahini soup

Spiced Tahini Pumpkin Soup is a delightful and warming dish perfect for the Thanksgiving table. This creamy soup combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the nutty taste of tahini, creating a comforting dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. Spiced with warm spices and topped with a swirl of tahini, it offers a unique twist on traditional pumpkin soup, making it a memorable addition to your holiday feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin puree 2 cups
Tahini ¼ cup
Vegetable broth 3 cups
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg ¼ teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Pumpkin seeds (for garnish) 2 tablespoons (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, then stir in tahini until well combined and creamy.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with pumpkin seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Tahini-Glazed Carrots With Thyme

tahini glazed roasted carrots delight

Tahini-Glazed Carrots With Thyme are a flavorful and elegant side dish that can elevate any Thanksgiving meal. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by a rich tahini glaze, infused with fresh thyme for an herby aroma. This dish is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful contrast in textures, making it a fantastic addition to the holiday table.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrots (peeled and cut into sticks) 1 pound
Tahini ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme (chopped) 2 teaspoons
Garlic powder ½ teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the tahini glaze.
  4. Spread the glazed carrots onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy!

Harissa and Tahini Roasted Cauliflower

spicy tahini cauliflower roast

Harissa and Tahini Roasted Cauliflower is a vibrant and bold side dish that brings a spicy twist to the traditional Thanksgiving table. The combination of harissa, a North African chili paste, with creamy tahini creates a flavorful glaze that enhances the natural earthiness of the cauliflower. Roasting the cauliflower brings out its sweetness while the harissa adds a delightful kick, making it a standout addition to any holiday feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Cauliflower (cut into florets) 1 large head
Tahini ¼ cup
Harissa paste 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder ½ teaspoon
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine tahini, harissa, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt, whisking until smooth.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the harissa-tahini mixture.
  4. Spread the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring halfway through.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey

mediterranean inspired thanksgiving turkey

Mediterranean Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey is a delightful twist on the classic roasted turkey, infused with vibrant flavors and ingredients reminiscent of the Mediterranean. This dish features a savory stuffing made with fragrant herbs, spices, and the rich creaminess of tahini, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast, celebrating both tradition and innovation.

Ingredients Quantity
Whole turkey (12-14 pounds) 1
Cooked quinoa 2 cups
Tahini ½ cup
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) ½ cup
Fresh spinach (chopped) 2 cups
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1 cup
Pine nuts (toasted) ½ cup
Fresh parsley (chopped) ¼ cup
Lemon zest 1 tablespoon
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, tahini, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, pine nuts, parsley, lemon zest, olive oil, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Rinse and pat the turkey dry. Fill the cavity with the Mediterranean stuffing mixture.
  4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, and rub olive oil, salt, and pepper over the skin.
  5. Roast for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally for moisture.
  6. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with additional tahini sauce if desired. Enjoy your festive meal!

Tahini Green Bean Salad

refreshing tahini green bean salad

Tahini Green Bean Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that brings a unique twist to your Thanksgiving table. The nutty flavor of tahini pairs beautifully with the crispness of green beans, adding a creamy dressing that elevates the dish while keeping it light and healthy. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also for those seeking a nutritious complement to their Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh green beans 1 pound
Tahini ¼ cup
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 1 clove
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Water 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Toasted sesame seeds 2 tablespoons
Fresh parsley (chopped) ¼ cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain and immediately immerse them in cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Toss the cooled green beans with the tahini dressing until evenly coated.
  4. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delightful salad!

Cranberry-Tahini Sauce

cranberry tahini sauce recipe

Cranberry-Tahini Sauce is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional cranberry sauce commonly served at Thanksgiving. The creamy richness of tahini accentuates the tartness of fresh cranberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors that pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, or even as a spread for sandwiches the next day. This vibrant sauce adds a nutty element to your holiday feast, promising to intrigue and satisfy your guests’ taste buds.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh cranberries 12 ounces
Tahini ½ cup
Maple syrup ¼ cup
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Water ½ cup
Salt to taste
Cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Black pepper to taste
Fresh orange zest 1 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, water, and maple syrup. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in tahini, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, black pepper, and orange zest until well combined.
  3. Transfer to a serving dish and let it sit at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry-Tahini Sauce!

Tahini and Pomegranate Couscous

nutty sweet couscous dish

Tahini and Pomegranate Couscous is a vibrant and healthy side dish that brings together the nutty flavors of tahini and the tart sweetness of pomegranate seeds. This dish makes for a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier fare. The fluffy couscous, combined with crunchy vegetables and a luscious tahini dressing, creates a beautiful and satisfying option that your guests will thoroughly enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Couscous 1 cup
Water 1 ¼ cups
Tahini 3 tablespoons
Pomegranate seeds 1 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Cucumber, diced 1 medium
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and stir in couscous; remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley.
  4. Pour the tahini dressing over the couscous mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra pomegranate seeds and parsley if desired. Enjoy your festive Tahini and Pomegranate Couscous!

Pumpkin Tahini Cheesecake

pumpkin tahini cheesecake delight

Pumpkin Tahini Cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, introducing a unique nutty flavor through tahini that beautifully complements the rich taste of pumpkin. This creamy cheesecake is perfect for Thanksgiving, offering a luxurious end to your meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With its smooth texture and warm spices, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Cream cheese 16 oz (2 packages)
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Tahini ½ cup
Sugar ¾ cup
Eggs 3 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon
Ground ginger ½ teaspoon
Graham cracker crumbs 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter, melted ½ cup
Salt ¼ teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and salt; press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust.
  3. In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the pumpkin puree, tahini, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well blended.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Enjoy your Pumpkin Tahini Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream if desired!

Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

tahini chocolate chip cookies

Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious and unexpected treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the unique, nutty richness of tahini. These cookies are perfectly chewy with a hint of sesame flavor, making them an exciting addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Not only do they satisfy your sweet cravings, but they also add a delightful twist that will leave your guests talking long after the meal has ended.

Ingredients Quantity
Unsalted butter ½ cup (1 stick)
Brown sugar ¾ cup
Granulated sugar ¼ cup
Tahini ½ cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Baking soda ½ teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the tahini, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips and drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Apple Tahini Crumble

apple tahini crumble dessert

Apple Tahini Crumble is a delightful dessert that marries the sweetness of baked apples with the creamy richness of tahini. This cozy dish features a crunchy crumble topping, making it an ideal table centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. The earthy flavor of tahini complements the tartness of the apples beautifully, creating a warm and inviting dessert that your guests will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Apples (peeled, sliced) 4 cups
Tahini ½ cup
Brown sugar ¾ cup
Oats 1 cup
All-purpose flour ½ cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (melted) ½ cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Chopped walnuts (optional) ½ cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, combine sliced apples with tahini and brown sugar, mixing well to coat.
  3. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly.
  4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tahini Swirled Pumpkin Bread

pumpkin tahini swirl bread

Tahini Swirled Pumpkin Bread is a luscious, oven-baked treat that brings together the rich flavors of pumpkin and tahini, resulting in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, this bread combines traditional pumpkin spices with the creamy, nutty essence of tahini, making it a delightful accompaniment to your holiday spread or a tasty snack on its own.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Tahini ½ cup
Brown sugar ¾ cup
Granulated sugar ¼ cup
Baking soda 1 teaspoon
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon
Salt ¼ teaspoon
Eggs 2 large
Vegetable oil ½ cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, tahini, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Swirl in tahini and then add the remaining batter on top, swirling again for a marbled effect.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing and serve. Enjoy!

Tahini and Date Stuffed Figs

tahini date stuffed figs

Tahini and Date Stuffed Figs are a gourmet seasonal treat, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread. These delightful sweet bites combine the natural sweetness of fresh figs with a creamy tahini and date filling, offering a uniquely flavorful experience that is both nutritious and indulgent.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh figs 12 large
Tahini ½ cup
Medjool dates (pitted) 1 cup
Honey 2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
Chopped walnuts (optional) ¼ cup
Sea salt A pinch

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the figs lengthwise, forming a pocket without cutting all the way through.
  3. In a bowl, mix tahini, pitted dates, honey, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts until smooth.
  4. Stuff each fig with the tahini-date mixture.
  5. Arrange the stuffed figs on a baking sheet and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until warm and slightly caramelized. Serve warm and enjoy!

Middle Eastern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

middle eastern stuffed sweet potatoes

Middle Eastern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a vibrant and flavorful dish that can serve as a hearty side or a satisfying main course for your Thanksgiving feast. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes is beautifully complemented by a savory, spiced tahini filling, topped with crunchy nuts and fresh herbs, making each bite a delightful fusion of flavors.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 4 medium
Tahini ½ cup
Cooked chickpeas 1 cup
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander 1 teaspoon
Fresh parsley (chopped) ¼ cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Toasted pine nuts (optional) ¼ cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prick each sweet potato with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
  3. In a bowl, mix tahini, chickpeas, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  5. Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out a small portion of the flesh to create space for the filling.
  6. Spoon the tahini-chickpea mixture into each sweet potato half.
  7. If desired, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Middle Eastern inspired dish!