Tarator
The Lebanese tahini sauce: silky sesame paste thinned with lemon juice and garlic until it becomes a pourable cream. The foundational sauce of Lebanese fish cookery and the drizzle that finishes falafel, roasted cauliflower, and vegetable dishes.
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All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 200 g Tahini (100% sesame paste)
- 80 ml (from 2–3 lemons) Fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves, crushed to paste Garlic cloves
- 80 ml Cold water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped (optional garnish) Flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Place tahini and garlic paste in a bowl.
- Add lemon juice and stir — the mixture will immediately seize and become stiff. Do not be alarmed.
- Add the cold water, salt, and continue whisking vigorously. The sauce will gradually smooth out and lighten in color.
- Whisk until completely emulsified — the sauce should pour from a spoon in a smooth, creamy stream.
- Taste and adjust: more lemon for brightness, more water for thinness, more salt for depth.
- The sauce is ready. For fish, keep it on the thinner side; for dipping, keep it thicker.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if serving as a dipping sauce.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarator?
The Lebanese tahini sauce: silky sesame paste thinned with lemon juice and garlic until it becomes a pourable cream. The foundational sauce of Lebanese fish cookery and the drizzle that finishes falafel, roasted cauliflower, and vegetable dishes.
Where is Tarator from?
Tarator comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Tarator vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Tarator uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of fresh lemon juice in Tarator?
The fresh lemon juice called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Tarator its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Tarator?
In a Lebanese condiments spread, Tarator is served as an accompaniment — spooned alongside grilled meats, vegetables, breads, or other mezze dishes.
Can I make Tarator ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.