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Sesame seeds, derived from the Sesamum indicum plant, have a rich history dating back thousands of years, with origins in Africa and Asia. These tiny seeds are packed with nutritional benefits, as they are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fibre, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are known for their potential to support heart health, aid in digestion, and promote bone health. Sesame seeds are grown primarily in tropical regions, thriving in well-drained, sandy soil.
They are cultivated as annuals and typically reach maturity in about 90 to 120 days. In terms of culinary usage, sesame seeds are widely popular in various cuisines, with Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes featuring them prominently. They are used to garnish salads, bread, and desserts, ground into tahini paste for sauces, and even pressed into oil. Their versatility adds a delightful crunch, nutty flavour, and nutritional boost to a wide array of culinary creations across the globe. Some of these culinary creations from sesame seeds are given below:
Tahini
Tahini is a creamy paste made from toasted and ground sesame seeds. This versatile ingredient is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it plays a significant role in various dishes. Tahini is used as a base for iconic dishes like hummus, providing a rich, nutty flavour and smooth consistency.
It's also a key component in baba ghanoush, a popular eggplant dip, and a vital ingredient in many salad dressings and sauces. In addition to savoury applications, tahini is used in sweet treats like halva, a dense confection made from sesame seeds and sugar or honey. Tahini can be eaten with pita bread on its own as well.
Til ke Laddoo
Til ke laddoo is a popular Indian sweet treat made from roasted sesame seeds and jaggery. These round, bite-sized sweets are particularly significant in Indian cuisine, especially during the winter months. They are often prepared during the festival of Makar Sankranti, which marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signalling the beginning of longer days and the end of winter.
Til ke ladoo is considered auspicious and is exchanged as tokens of goodwill among friends and family during this festival. Beyond their cultural and festive importance, these laddoos are also a source of calcium, warmth and energy due to the high calorie content of sesame seeds.
Ellu Sadam
Ellu sadam is a traditional South Indian dish, which means sesame seed rice. The use of sesame seeds in this dish is significant not only for its distinct flavour but also for its health benefits. Sesame seeds are rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and healthy fats, making them a valuable addition to the diet.
The dish is made by dry-frying sesame seeds (black or white) until they start to sputter, along with urad dal, split bengal gram (channa dal), red chillies, and peppercorns, until the dals turn golden brown. All of these are then transferred to a mixer and ground into a coarse powder. This mixture is combined with cooked rice, sesame oil, and tempered curry leaves.
Ellu Sadam is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, symbolising the cultural importance of sesame seeds in South Indian cuisine and their role in creating both scrumptious and nutritious dishes. They are popular offerings and are served as prasadam in South Indian temples for special occasions like Puratasi Saturday.
Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles are an Asian dish featuring noodles, often egg noodles or soba, coated in a rich and savoury sauce made from sesame paste or tahini, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. Sesame seeds play a crucial role in enhancing the taste of this dish in multiple ways. Firstly, they bring a nuttiness to the sauce.
The toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle smokiness and a pleasing textural contrast, as they remain slightly crunchy. Additionally, sesame oil, often used in the recipe, gives a deep, aromatic sesame aroma to the noodles. Overall, sesame seeds elevate the taste profile of sesame noodles by infusing them with a complex, nutty depth and a satisfying crunch.
Hyderabadi Til Ka Khatta
Hyderabadi til ka khatta is a delightful and tangy condiment that pairs wonderfully with khichdi, a comforting rice and dal dish. This traditional South Indian chutney is known for its unique combination of ingredients. To prepare it, sesame seeds (til) are roasted until they develop a rich, nutty aroma and then ground to form a flavorful base. Tamarind adds a tangy and slightly sour dimension, while roasted peanuts contribute a delightful crunch and a mild earthy flavour.
Onions, often caramelised or sautéed, bring a touch of sweetness and depth to the chutney. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect complement to the simplicity of khichdi. Hyderabadi Til Khatta transforms the khichdi experience, elevating it with its complex flavours and providing a satisfying contrast to the mild, soothing qualities of khichdi.
Ellu Kobbari Chutney
Sesame seed and coconut chutney, often referred to as ellu kobbari chutney in South India, is a popular condiment that combines the sesame seeds with the rich creaminess of coconut. To make this chutney, toasted sesame seeds, freshly grated coconut, green chilies, tamarind, and other seasonings are blended together to create a mildly spicy and aromatic paste.
The combination of sesame seeds and coconut adds depth to the chutney's taste profile. Sesame seeds provide a slightly earthy and nutty undertone, while coconut contributes a sweet and tropical creaminess. This chutney is a versatile accompaniment in South Indian cuisine, often served alongside dosa, idli, vada, or steamed rice.
Sesame Tofu
Sesame tofu is a dish where tofu, a popular plant-based protein source, is coated in sesame seeds and typically pan-fried or baked until it forms a crispy, golden-brown crust. The dish combines the mild, creamy, and chewy interior of tofu with the rich, nutty flavour and satisfying crunch of toasted sesame seeds.
To prepare sesame tofu, the sesame seeds are often mixed with various seasonings like salt, pepper, and sometimes additional spices to create a flavorful coating. The sesame seeds not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the texture of the dish, providing a contrast to the tofu.
Til Pitha
Til Pitha is a traditional Assamese dish that holds significant cultural importance, especially during the festival of Bihu, which marks the Assamese new year and the arrival of the harvest season. These rice flour dumplings are stuffed with a mixture of sesame seeds (til), jaggery or sugar, and grated coconut before being steamed or fried. The sesame seeds in Til Pitha play a crucial role in this festive dish as they are known for their warmth, which is particularly appreciated during the chilly Bihu season.
