During Lent (and not only), Macedonian tahini can be combined with any meal. The product can be the ingredient that will give you even more pleasure, in addition, it is extremely tasty and healthy.
Have you heard that many people start their day with a spoonful of tahini? There is a reason for this, or rather reasons, and they are associated with its exceptionally useful properties and rich taste.
Various studies conducted in recent years have revealed the nutritional value of tahini. Specialists of the Faculty of Chemistry of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, after research, came to the conclusion that the consumption of the product can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and the antioxidants contained in it help to better control the level of cholesterol in the blood. In addition, it is rich in easily digestible calcium.
Antioxidants, combined with the protein contained in tahini, have antibacterial activity, protecting the consumer from the action of pathogens that lead to allergic manifestations, the publication reports. lifo.gr.
So what is tahini?
At a time when it’s important to support our immune systems, investing in a superfood like tahini will not only give us the protection we need, but are the perfect addition to a healthy diet. Especially during Lent, when those who fast and follow a specific diet need as many nutrients as possible in their daily diet, since they do not consume animal products.
Tahini fills this nutritional gap as it is high in calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium, and is a source of magnesium, zinc, and fiber, making it a great addition to the daily needs of the body. It is also rich in protein, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are considered essential for a balanced diet.
However, it is not only the consumption of tahini that is important, but also the consumption quality tahini, which will give us all the necessary ingredients that the body needs daily. Like, for example, Macedonian tahini.
Makedoniko Tahini is 100% ground sesame seeds of excellent quality, which has been ground in stone mills for more than 90 years without the use of chemicals or any other substances. This is a product perfect for the mediterranean dietwhich preserves intact all the beneficial ingredients of sesame.
How to include it in your daily diet
Macedonian tahini is a product that can be paired with just about anything. That is why it is considered a “food treasure”. For breakfast, you can spread Macedonian tahini on a slice of bread and add honey, or use it instead of margarine or butter in cakes and cookies for a healthier and more delicious result. You can also add a scoop of tahini (instead of sugar) to your coffee or tea, or even add it to freshly squeezed fruit juice.
As for lunch and dinner, you can prepare a salad of your choice with lots of greens and original taste. You can add Macedonian tahini to it as a dressing. Alternatively, you can put vegetables, such as whole cauliflower, in the oven and use Macedonian tahini as a sauce, combined with the spices of your choice.
There are many options and combinations, and all of them can contribute to a healthy diet.
As for sweet snacks, Makedoniko Tahini is the perfect base for making fluffy, healthy chocolate chip cookies (use a substitute like stevia instead of sugar).
For example, here is a recipe:
Composition:
- 1/2 cup (113 g) room temperature coconut oil for a creamy and soft texture.
- 1/2 cup (122g) Macedonian tahini
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (60g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (55 grams) plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (165 gr.) flour.
- 2 tablespoons (18 g) cornmeal
- 5 g salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
- 1 and 3/4 cups (200 gr.) Chopped dark chocolate 60-70%.
Cooking:
- Using an electric mixer, beat the coconut oil, Macedonian tahini, granulated sugar, and brown sugar (sweetener, stevia) on medium speed for about 3 minutes until a smooth, creamy mixture forms. Add vegetable milk and vanilla extract and stir for another minute. This can be done with a wooden spoon, but it will take more effort to make a creamy consistency.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, corn starch, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the base (see above) and mix with a mixer on low speed until smooth.
- Add chopped chocolate.
- Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while you preheat the oven, or leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 180⁰C and spread parchment paper (for baking) on two baking sheets.
- From the dough, form portions of 2 tablespoons in size and arrange them at some distance from each other. Bake the cookies, one pan at a time, for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is slightly lighter.
- Remove from oven, leave to cool. Bake the rest of the cookies in the same way.
Bon Appetit!
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