Techina (Sesame Seed Dip)

Brought to Israel by Jewish refugees from Arab countries, techina is a thick dip with sesame seeds as its base. It is often used as a topping for falafel, among other dishes.

Ingredients
1 cup pure tahini (sesame paste)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup water
dash of hot pepper (red)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 bunch chopped parsley
juice from 2 lemons
pickles
3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
  1. Mix tahini, garlic, water, pepper, salt and lemon juice until you get smooth paste.
  2. Add water if techina is too thick.
  3. Serve as a thin layer on a small plate, with a drop or two of olive oil, garnish with pickles.
  4. Sprinkle with parsley or mix the parsley into the dip.