Is tahini the same thing as sesame paste?
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, but it’s not exactly sesame paste. How’s that so? Tahini is made with hulled sesame seeds (just the kernels), and sesame paste is made with the entire seed (shell and all). Tahini is a typically Middle Eastern ingredient, and sesame paste is more common in East Asian cuisines. While you can find tahini at most grocery stores, you’ll probably have to go to an Asian market for sesame paste. Reference: What is tahini?
