Smoky Spiked Tahini Sauce

1/2 cup tahini
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ – 2/3 cup water (or more for a thinner sauce, if desired)
1/4 tsp (lightly rounded) smoked paprika (see note)
¼ tsp (rounded) sea salt (about 1/4 + 1/8 tsp)
3/4 – 1 1/4 tsp pure maple syrup or agave nectar (or more to taste, see note)

Using a standing blender or an immersion blender and deep cup or jar, puree all the ingredients (starting with 1⁄2 cup of the water, 1⁄4 teaspoon of the paprika, and 3⁄4 teaspoon of the agave) until smooth. Add additional paprika and salt to taste; maple syrup to balance any bitterness, if needed; and water to thin, as desired.

Ingredients 411: I like the amount of smoked paprika at just a lightly rounded 1⁄4 teaspoon, but you can try adding more if you love the flavor. Try 1⁄2 teaspoon and see how it works for you.  I always like a touch of sweetener in tahini sauce to offset the slight bitterness of the tahini. The amount you use depends on personal preference and also the brand of tahini used. Start with 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 teaspoon, and add more if needed.