2010-04-26

Creamy Maple Tahini Dressing



Looking for an Asian inspired dressing or dipping sauce? Then look no further, cause this one is spicy, sweet, creamy....and good enough to drink!

I use this as a dressing for  hearty salads like romaine mixed with root vegetables (think carrots, beets, radishes). It's also AMAZING as a dip for crudites, veggie wraps, or vegetarian satays.


I really do love making homemade dressings and I hope you'll give this one a try.



Creamy Maple Tahini Dressing - (Makes a lil more than 2 cups)


1/2 cup tahini ( If you use almond or peanut butter, you'll need to increase the water)
3 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs + 1 tsp sesame oil (I used toasted)
3 Tbs soy sauce
2 Tbs maple syrup (If you don't have real maple syrup, use honey)
1/4 cup lemon or lime juice (I used a combination)
1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1 cup water
1/4 cup basil, chopped


Place all ingredients except basil in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add in basil and pulse until blended...leaving a few flecks of green visible. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving - This will allow sauce to thicken and flavors to combine. Enjoy!


Tip 1: I was a bit heavy handed with the soy. I meant to do 2 1/2 Tbs but managed to spill (inside the mix) while I was measuring! : )...I compensated for the extra saltiness by adding more water. Feel free to reduce the amount of soy if salt is a concern for you.


Tip 2: I used a bit of Thai basil in this, but regular basil tastes great too. 

Tip 3: For a variation, try adding 2 Tbs of mint instead of basil, and/or honey instead of maple syrup.
 


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15 comments:

  1. Beautiful photo, and the recipe sounds tasty!

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  2. This looks and sounds delicious. I've made a copy for my burgeoning blog recipe file. I love anything tahini based. Thanks so much!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. Nice-I like stuff like this. It sounds good enough to drink!

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  4. I have a jar of tahini and I'd like to try this - sounds absolutely lovely. Beautiful picture :)

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  5. This dressing sounds fabulous!!! Thanks!

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  6. Thank you for the lovely feedback everyone - Erica, Bonnie, Stella, Denise and Noelle. I appreciate you all for taking the time to check out my blog. Hope you enjoy the recipe.

    Peace and Greens,

    Toya

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  7. Hey! Good Morning. I almost just called your smarty pants, as I can't find a name here (smile). Do you have a preferred blog name for yourself?

    Just so you know, I can't find soyatoo where I live. I just know of it, so I listed it there in case somebody does have it at their local healthfood store. I remember having something like it in Atlanta (might have been Soyatoo) and it was a good, solid vegan whip of sorts...

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  8. Hey, Stella!

    It sounds so good, even though I like dairy whipped cream - I can probably get my healthfood store to special order some. I'd like to at least try it.

    BTW, smarty pants is fine :)jk... I've been oscillating between using "Toya" and abbreviating with just "T" but either are fine. I wasn't sure how much personal info to leave on my blog at first, but I suppose I've gotten over maintaining any secrecy about my name...

    Peace, Greens and Soyatoo, - Toya

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  9. Hey Toya (I love the name 'Toya' by the way). I think you'll have enough secrecy/privacy with just your first name. There so many blogs and such...
    By the way, you can also whip the fat of coconut to make an extremely delicious vegan whip. My carnivore friends ask for it when they're at my house. Recently, I bought a can of full fat coconut milk, and it was just fat-not a drop of liquid in sight. I was like 'yes'!

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  10. Hi Toya!

    Just stopping by to say hi and thanks for stopping by my blog! And wow what a yummy looking dressing! I'll have to try it tomorrow.

    Great blog, looking forward to reading more! xo. Katrina

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  11. Hi Katrina,

    I'm so happy to have you stop by my blog!!! Your site and home birth story are sooo inspiring! I love juice feasting, too!

    I hope you enjoy the dressing. Peace ;)

    Toya

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  12. Thanks, Stella! I think I have resigned myself (mostly) to at least using my first name...

    So, do you use canned coconut milk? I've only bought "light" canned coconut milk but there weren't any solids.

    I've tried it a few times with fresh young coconut meat, but it's always hit or miss when picking out a white coconut at the store. If it's too young (like jelly) inside, it doesn't work so well.

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  13. This looks fantastic! I never would have thought to combine the maple and tahini flavors before. Can't wait to try it!

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  14. Thanks, Casey! This one's a big favorite in our house.

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