World Flavors Cookbook

Honey and Sesame Paste (Dibs wa Rashi)

Sesame paste mixed with date honey — an ancient Mesopotamian combination that has been eaten continuously for 4,000 years and still exists today as dibs wa rashi in Iraq.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

• 200g raw sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp date syrup (dibs) or honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden.
2. Let cool completely.
3. Blend toasted seeds with olive oil and salt until a thick paste forms (tahini).
4. Swirl date syrup over the top without fully mixing.
5. Serve with flatbread for dipping.