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Sesame seeds are among a few favourite and seasonal ingredients picked by Indian grandmothers in winter. They are associated with boosting immunity, keeping the body warm, and elevating the nutritional quotient of dishes apart from adding a crunch to them.
Video Credit: Easy With Food Kalpana Agnihotri
Most often, you would see people adding sesame seeds to chikki and other seasonal desserts, but the ingredient has the same charm when added to a savoury snack or dish. This winter season, you should experiment with traditional recipes to prepare lip-smacking meals boasting the goodness of sesame seeds.
Tilwale Aloo
From methi to matar, potatoes are paired with a variety of seasonal ingredients. Why not? The vegetable is a staple and a versatile ingredient that gels impeccably with fresh produce. As New Year 2025 has begun, you should experiment with aloo by pairing it with sesame seeds. Heat oil in a small kadhai and toss ginger, garlic, chillies, and cumin seeds. Cook baby potatoes with a few spices and sprinkle sesame seeds on the top. This sabzi must be served with hot parathas.
Tilwali Bhindi
This season calls for preparing bhindi or okra with sesame seeds. This unique recipe will be a hit when served with dal fry, steamed rice, and roti. It completes the meal, and its aftertaste will leave your guests praising your culinary skills. The preparation includes cooking slit okra with curry leaves, turmeric, mustard seeds, coriander, and red chilli powder. Add sesame seeds on the top and cook until they are slightly roasted.
Til Thecha
Thecha is a Maharashtrian condiment which is often enjoyed with lunch or dinner. It adds spiciness to the meal and makes it wholesome. The recipe includes pounding peanuts with chillies, garlic, and coriander leaves. You can replace peanuts with a nutritional powerhouse called sesame seeds. After crushing ingredients in a mortar and pestle, add lemon juice and serve with stuffed parathas.
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Kebabs
In winter, you can use seasonal produce like peas, beetroot, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to prepare lip-smacking vegan kebabs or tikkis. These are not only delicious but perfectly paired with tea and can be served as starters during a multi-course meal. However, if you want to make these kebabs more nutritious and crunchy, coat them with white sesame seeds. The nutty flavour will make them a hit in a gathering.
Til Chutney
Not many people know but they can use sesame seeds to prepare til chutney, a spicy but delightful accompaniment with snacks and meals. Dry roast sesame seeds with red chillies until the mixture is fragrant. Make sure not to burn chillies. Use a mortar and pestle to grind them with garlic, salt, and tamarind. You can also add coriander leaves for a green hue and freshness. This chutney will add an oomph to stuffed parathas, idli, and dosa.
Sesame Eggplant
Another experimental dish that you can try is sesame eggplant. Since brinjals get soft when cooked, sesame seeds add a crunchy and infuse the vegetables with nutty flavour. Keep roasted sesame on the side while you cook eggplants with turmeric, green chillies, red chilli powder, and mustard seeds. Add tamarind pulp and jaggery to balance the flavours and sprinkle sesame seeds in the end to complete the dish.
