Herb's Herbs & Spiced Tahini Recipe

Herb’s Herbs? I stopped correcting people on the pronunciation of my last name long ago (with the H!), so read it how you please.

Anyway, instead of drenching your food in BBQ sauce or Ranch dressing, try enhancing the natural flavor with herbs and spices. Yes, store-bought dressings are convenient but they're also typically full of sugar, preservatives and MSG. Our goal here is to eat home-cooked meals the majority of the time while splurging on takeout or convenience foods only once in awhile. The more variables you control, the better for your heath. 

Herbs and spices are easy to incorporate into meals and provide numerous health benefits, including but not limited to:

• Antioxidants

• Anti-inflammation

• Antibacterial

• Boosting mood and memory

• Digestion support

• Healing properties

• Immune boosting support

• Pain alleviation

• Stress Relief

HERBS: Found in the leafy part of plants and used for flavor, fragrance and medicinal purposes. 

• Basil

• Bay Leaves

• (Catnip)

• Celery Seed

• Chives

• Cilantro

• Coriander

• Cumin

• Dill

• Fennel

• Garlic

• Lavender

• Lemon Grass

• Marjoram

• Mint

• Mustard Seed

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Peppermint

• Poppy Seed

• Rosemary

• Saffron

• Sage

• Sesame Seed

• Tarragon

• Thyme

SPICES: Originate from various parts of plants such as bark, buds, fruits, leaves, seeds and roots. They are used for color, flavor and preservation of foods.

• Allspice

• Black Pepper

• Cardamom

• Cayenne

• Cinnamon

• Cloves

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Nutmeg

• Paprika

• Turmeric

• Vanilla Bean

Each list is more extensive but I named a few common examples of each. There's no need to run out and purchase every herb and spice on the list. Dig what you have out from the back of the cabinet, start incorporating them into your cooking and reap the numerous health benefits! With countless ways to use them, you really can't go wrong. Almost all taste great with meats and vegetables. I use cinnamon daily, hence the almost empty jar. Try adding it to your morning oats, coffee or baked goods. 

Trader Joe's jars list the following suggestions:

• Cinnamon: "A perfect compliment to apple cider, fancy coffee drinks, mulled wine (Yum!), and in all your favorite desserts."

• Oregano: "Use on meats, fish, poultry and in sauces. Sprinkle on fresh steamed vegetables."

• Paprika: "A quick, delicious way to add rich smokey flavor to Spanish dishes like paella or familiar fare like BBQ, roasted meats, stews and sauces."

• Thyme: "A natural partner with wine, onions and garlic. Use with tomatoes, rice, cheese and potatoes. Thyme highlights the flavor of breads, beef dishes, stocks and sauces."

• Turmeric: "Can be combined with ingredients like almond milk, cinnamon, honey and ginger to make tea."

*RECIPE*

Spiced Tahini (gluten-free, dairy-free): 

Tahini is made from ground hulled sesame seeds and is similar to peanut butter. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium and healthy fats. 

Ingredients:

• Tahini

• Olive Oil

• Lemon Juice

• Nutritional Yeast, optional

• Turmeric

• Cayenne Pepper

• Salt & (Lemon) Pepper

Directions:

Can we all agree that following recipes to the T takes the fun out of living? It also dirties more dishes and, here in New York, those dishes must be washed by hand. Therefore, I prefer to go by taste rather than exact numbers. The ingredients are listed in order of what to use the most of. Start with tahini, add olive oil and lemon juice until you get the consistency you want, then sprinkle in the spices. Don't like one of the ingredients? Skip it or substitute for another spice. Simple! 

How many are you serving? If making for yourself you may only use 1-2 tbsp of tahini but for a crowd you may use up to a cup of it - you be the judge!

Serve with raw or grilled vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus or even baked sweet potato fries.

Enjoy!

- Mallory