A new BBQ sauce

I have a huge love for BBQ and enjoy it with my usual BBQ sauces but lately I've been looking for something different outside of the norm. Although there are tons and tons of BBQ sauces out there and while they all have their own unique spins, they pretty much are all the same. You rarely see a different BBQ sauce being explored, both in restaurants and on the famous 'Food Network'. I want something different! A new change in my eats. More culture. More creativity in the works---from myself and from others. 

So one day....

I think I found my 'it' sauce. Or I know I found my 'it' sauce. How do I know I found it? Because I crave* it all the time now and that's enough to solve this new sauce dilemma! Or at least start my search for more.

*Growing up, my mom used to crack jokes all the time about my cravings and how they = to pregnant women cravings! Ugh! I can't help it! And that is one of the main reasons why I run, ;) besides the fact I actually do love running!

I got this recipe from an Egyptian friend. -I added a couple things to the mix to make it my own without changing its simplicity- At first, I didn't want to try it---WHAT?! The reason for this is because I asked what was in it and the main flavor you get from this sauce is---tahini. And to be honest, I wasn't too fond of it at the time. It's not a bad thing but in my opinion, too much of it is....too much. It's a strong flavor when used to the supreme. I know it's in one of my favorites--hummus, but I prefer it when it's used lightly. Now, things have changed and I appreciate it more. I've enjoyed experimenting with it now in both savory and sweet dishes.

So of course I tried it anyway and it was love from there. You get the hint of tahini but it really isn't overpowering at all. And it goes great with chicken. It's definitely not your typical 'BBQ Sauce' but I strongly urge you all to give it a go. Just once! Then tell me if you agree or disagree. I added the cayenne and garlic for that little hint of spice and I love love garlic so of course it made the cut. Sometimes I add the vinegar and sometimes I don't. Either way it's still a palate pleasing sauce.

Tahini BBQ Sauce Recipe:

1/3-1/2 cup Tahini
2 cups Plain Yogurt
1 Tbsp Vinegar, optional
Juice of 1/2-1 Lemon
Salt, to taste
1-2 tsp Paprika
1/4-1/2 tsp Cayenne
2 cloves of Crushed Garlic or 2 tsp Granulated Garlic Powder
Water, small amount just to achieve liquid consistency
Chopped Parsley

*Note: May need to experiment to your liking and double/triple/leave as is depending on the number of people enjoying this. Nothing is measured exactly when I make this. Some changes may or may not need to be made, depending on your liking.

1) Combine all ingredients and either use as a dip or pour over your meat of choice*.

*I've only had this with chicken. I haven't experimented yet with other meats.

It's time to appreciate the ingredients we have been given in each and every culture in this world.

Will you try this new BBQ sauce recipe?

I think I've got a new appreciation for tahini now. I previously mentioned in my Hummus post that I was not a fan of tahini at all. And to be honest, I'm still not really a fan of it but I've decided to just continue to try it in different ways in hopes that I will someday like it or at least give it a chance no matter what. You'll never know if you like something if you don't give it a try.

I'm glad I gave it another chance because I really think I found a winner. No, I know I did because I daydreamed at work for a week just thinking about that sauce. I say only at work because I didn't have to dream about it after work!

My sister's fiance and family came over a couple weeks ago and brought the sauce with them to accompany the BBQ we had that day. And that's how it started. I was told I was supposed to try it and that it pairs extremely well with meat. I wanted to just avoid it, but ended up giving it a go just to be nice. Ummmm yeah, it was too good to be true. Seriously. I can't even begin to explain it. And when it concerns food, sometimes you don't have to.

I straight just asked them for the ingredients. I don't have the measurements so you're gonna have to eyeball what you need. When I figure it out, I'll update later. I pretty much have the idea but will wait until I actually try it out myself so there are no inaccurate measurements.

Tahini
Plain Yogurt
Vinegar
Lemon
Salt
Water, small amount just to achieve liquid consistency
Chopped Parsley