Skip to main content

Tarator bi Tahina

A ubiquitous sauce in Syria and Lebanon, served with fried and grilled fish as well as with cold fish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

1 cup tahina
1/4–1/2 cup lemon juice, or more
1–1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt
2–4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend the tahina with the lemon juice and water in the food processor. The paste will stiffen at first and then become smooth. Add enough water to achieve a light cream. Add cumin, season to taste with salt, and beat in the garlic.

    Step 2

    Pour over cold fish or serve in a separate bowl. Garnish with parsley, if you like.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
Like lemony baked salmon and strawberry shortcake roll.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
Tender, moist chocolate cupcakes stained with Earl Grey tea and topped with a brilliant magenta frosting made from fresh blackberries.