Tahini /tɑːˈhiːni/ (also tahina /tɑːˈhiːnə/ ; Arabic: طحينة ‎) is an oily paste made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds used in North African, Greek, Iranian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.n Armenia, tahini can be used as a sauce to put in the lahmajoun. In Turkey, tahini (Turkish: tahin) is mixed with pekmez to form a dish called tahin-pekmez. Due to its high-caloric nature, it is served as a breakfast item or after meals as a dessert to dip pieces of bread in, especially during the wintertime.