Why does the tahini stiffen when I stir it?

Tahini seizes before it loosens. Keep stirring, or add a spoon of honey or lukewarm water, and it returns to a cream.

Is black honey the same as molasses?

Yes — it is reduced sugarcane juice, which is where its sweet, slightly bitter taste comes from.

Yes, the same product in a bigger pack — which is the one to order if the family eats this weekly.

The simplest Egyptian breakfast: sesame tahini and black honey one to one, stirred to a cream and eaten with shamsi bread.

Stir the tahini in its jar first — sesame separates and its oil rises, and stirring brings it back.
Put the tahini in a bowl and add the black honey gradually while stirring.
Keep stirring until the mixture lightens in colour and holds together as a cream.
A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Serve with bread straight away.

One to one is the usual ratio. More tahini is lighter and more bitter; more honey is sweeter and heavier.

Stir by hand rather than in a blender — a blender beats air in and the texture goes spongy.

Why does the tahini stiffen when I stir it?: Tahini seizes before it loosens. Keep stirring, or add a spoon of honey or lukewarm water, and it returns to a cream.
Is black honey the same as molasses?: Yes — it is reduced sugarcane juice, which is where its sweet, slightly bitter taste comes from.
Can I use the large tahini?: Yes, the same product in a bigger pack — which is the one to order if the family eats this weekly.