Seedy Tahini Squares
TAHINI, WHAT IS IT AND WHERE DID IT COME FROM
Tahini is a not just a middle eastern ingredient but found in many popular foods around the globe. Made from hulled sesame seeds, tahini beats out peanut butter with its calcium content - boasting almost ten times of this bone building nutrient.
Tahini (named from the arabic word for groud - tahina) also boasts a long list of nutrients and several health benefits, making it a must-have for any kitchen pantry. Favored for its smooth texture and rich taste is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip, spread, salad dressing, or condiment.
FUN FACTS ABOUT TAHINI
*The basis of tahini, the sesame seed, has been cultivated in Egypt since at least 2 AD.
*Sesame seeds grow in the pods of a flowering plant, which split open and pop when ripe, revealing the seeds within.
*In Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, the phrase “open sesame!” magically opens a sealed cave, likely inspired by a ripened sesame pod.
*Tahini was originally a byproduct of sesame oil production during medieval times, but became a treasured staple in its own right.
*SOURCED FROM ROLANDFOODS.COM “10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TAHINI
TAHINI, WHY WE LOVE IT
We use tahini in our Good Clean Kitchen as a staple in our dips dressings and sauces, and even sometimes sneak it into our smoothies and treats. It provides a creaminess that can’t be beat without the use of gums or emulsifiers.
In addition to providing a wealth of nutrients and flavor, tahini is credited with several health boosting benefits such as: improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and possible cancer-fighting effects
Relatively low in calories but packed with fiber, protein, and a plethora of important vitamins and minerals.
Tahini is rich in selenium which is credited with decreased inflammation and increased immune halth. It also packs in bone boosting phosphorus, copper (healthy blood and iron absorption) … this is one plant based protein powerhouse that we jut can’t get enough of.
SEEDY TAHINI SQUARES
Soft, chewy, and bursting with texture, nutrition and flavor - these seed based bights are so satisfying and a guiltless treat that we LOVE to keep stocked in our freezers.
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded coconut
3 cups pecans
2 cups dates
1 cups GF oats
1/2 cups flax seeds
1 cups sunflower seeds
2 heaping cups tahini
1 tsp large flake sea salt
1 cup currants
2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips (we love Hu!)
1 cups sprouted pumpkin seeds
1 cups goji berries
2 T white sesame seeds optional, sprinkled on top
Instructions
Process coconut, pecans and dates in a food processor until a fine meal forms (leave no chunks) and transfer to a large bowl.
Process oats, flax and sunflower seeds and add to bowl. Stir in an extra cup of sunflower seeds and the currants (leaves these whole).
Stir in the tahini until completely incorporated.
Distribute dough into a quarter sheet pan.
To the top press in sea salt, pumpkin seeds, (chocolate, optional) and goji berries. Using parchment paper covering bars, evenly distribute the dough, use a second flat plan and lots of weight. Press down with all your might. The pressing will create the bars - if too loose it will become a crumble.
Keep covered with parchment, freeze (or roll into balls). Freeze overnight and then cut into long bars, or serve in 2 inch squares.