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Tarator — traditional dish from Alexandria, Egypt
Starter Vegan

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥300kcal
💪8gProtein
🌾12gCarbs
🥑26gFat
🌿4gFibre
⚖️150 gServing

* Per serving · 150 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌱 Sesame

Tarator

How to order / say it
Say it طرطور — [TAH-rah-tor]
Order I'd like the tarator, please.
Locally من فضلك، عاوز طرطور.
Say locally

A creamy dip or soup made with tahini, garlic, and lemon.

Why try it?

Tarator reflects Egypt's appreciation for versatile, refreshing condiments and its use of tahini—a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It pairs well with meats, vegetables, or as a dip, making it integral to Cairo dining experiences.

How it tastes

Tarator is rich and creamy, with the nutty flavor of tahini complemented by sharp, lemony notes and robust garlic. Its smooth texture makes it a versatile component, served cold as a dip or drizzled over vegetables and meats.

Origin & History — first documented: 800

The origins of Tarator trace back to medieval Arab kitchens where tahini-based sauces were common. It has evolved into a staple condiment across the Levant, Egyptian cuisine prominently featuring it since the early Islamic Caliphate periods.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥜 150 g tahini
  • 🍋 60 ml lemon juice
  • 🧄 3 cloves garlic
  • 🍋 100 ml water
  • 🧂 to taste salt

Method

  1. 1 Combine tahini and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. 2 Gradually add water and whisk until smooth.
  3. 3 Add crushed garlic and salt to taste.
  4. 4 Chill before serving as a dip or sauce.

More from Alexandria

All Africa recipes — Egypt — Cairo — Tarator
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