Tahini /tɑːˈhiːni/ (also tahina /tɑːˈhiːnə/; Arabic: طحينة‎) is an oily paste made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds used in North African, Greek, Iranian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.