Chinese people have been using black sesame seeds in foods for a long time because they have special nutritional value as well as a quite delicious taste of nuts. They are relished by many people with consciousness of their health since they contain essential minerals such as calcium, iron and antioxidants. The seeds originate from the black sesame plant, which is considered to have the potency of improving life expectancy and is a tonic for the kidney and skin in traditional Chinese medicine. These small seeds can be consumed whole, crushed into a paste, or used as an oil. Most flexible seed type that could be used in pretty much every meal, black sesame seeds are ideal for seasoning both sweet and savoury dishes.
Black Sesame Soup
A popular Chinese delicacy that's a great way to explore the world of black sesame seeds in Chinese cooking is black sesame soup. Rich, nutty flavour and a smooth, creamy texture characterise this warm, comforting dish. Black sesame seeds are crushed into a fine powder and then toasted to intensify the flavour before being used in this dish. The powder is then cooked to a thick, porridge-like consistency by adding water, rice, and sugar. For extra depth, ground peanuts are sometimes added to recipes. The end product is a thick roasted soup that is glossy and smoky, the kind that soothes the palate and frequently offered as a late-night snack or dessert.
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Sesame Chicken
A well-known recipe that highlights the savoury aspect of black sesame seeds is the sesame chicken. For this dish, the chicken pieces are marinated with soy sauce, rice wine and spices. The chicken is then dipped in a batter consisting of flour, cornflour, and beaten eggs. After being deep-fried till golden and crispy, the chicken is combined with a sweet and tangy sauce consisting of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. To finish the dish, it is topped with toasted sesame seeds, black and white, which give a pleasing texture and equally an enhanced nutty taste.
Black Sesame Dumplings
Tāng Yuán, or black sesame dumplings, is a classic Chinese dish that's usually eaten during the Lantern Festival and other festive times. Serve these sticky rice balls in a light, syrupy broth with a delicious black sesame paste inside. Black sesame seeds are toasted, pulverised into a fine powder, and combined with sugar, butter, or lard to make a smooth paste for the filling. After that, a dough composed of water and glutinous rice flour is used to encapsulate this filling. The moment the dumplings start floating on the cooking pot, it is time to stop cooking them. Usually, they are served in a clear, sweet broth that occasionally has ginger flavour. These dumplings symbolise the togetherness of the family in the Chinese tradition.
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Black Sesame Encrusted Fish
Black Sesame Encrusted Fish effectively blends the strong flavour of black sesame seeds with the delicate flavour of fish. Fish fillets (often light white fish-like cod or tilapia) are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and ginger before being cooked in this recipe. Next, a mixture of flour and finely ground black sesame seeds is applied to the fillets. The end product is a meal, which has a crust that is crispy yet full of nutty flavours and fish that is flaky with a cooling effect. This dish was so delicious that it served as a tasty and nutritious dinner normally accompanied by steamed vegetables and a bland soy sauce.
Black Sesame Ice Cream
Black sesame ice cream is not a traditional Chinese dish, but it has become more and more popular recently as a modern spin on traditional flavours. This cold, refreshing treat perfectly highlights the rich, nutty flavour of black sesame seeds with its creamy texture. Black sesame seeds are pounded into a fine paste and then toasted to intensify the flavour before being used in this ice cream. After that, this paste is combined with a classic ice cream foundation made of milk, cream, and sugar. After the mixture is churned in an ice cream maker, a smooth, creamy ice cream with a strong sesame flavour and a characteristic grey colour is produced. To combat the nuttiness, some recipes also call for a small amount of vanilla or honey. To get rid of any particles, pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a container. Enjoy this creamy and nutty black sesame ice cream as a cool dessert after freezing it until it solidifies.
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Incorporating black sesame seeds in your meals has some benefits to your health apart from enhancing the taste of your food. Learn how delicious and healthy black sesame seeds are and add them to your diet at home by making these meals!