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Sesame seed is the fruit of the sesame plant that derived its name from the Latin word sesamum which in turn was derived from the Greek sesamon. This rich nutty flavored flat and oval shaped seed is famous for its oil and comes in three colors, from a pale cream-white, black and at times even red. Oil rich sesame seeds not only have culinary uses, but non-culinary uses as well. Sesame recipes are popular in almost all the cuisines. The crunchy feel of many sesame dishes is because of the use of the sesame seed.
History of Sesame Seed and Sesame Recipes
Sesame seed is believed to be native to India as records show that this seed was cultivated as early as the 2250 BC to 1750 BC at Harappa during the Indus Valley Civilization. A popular Assyrian legend says that Gods came together to create the world and when they met they drank wine made of sesame seeds. Over the centuries, the sesame seed and sesame recipes came along with the African slaves into America in the late 17th Century and today there are innumerable sesame dishes one can choose from in the American cuisine. Many dishes of Indian and Chinese cuisines (Dim sum) too include sesame seed.
Culinary Uses of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seed has many culinary uses. One of the main uses of this seed is for garnishing. Sesame dishes are particularly popular in America, Mexican and even in Far Eastern cuisines. They are used in breads, cakes, cookies, wafers, health bars, etc. Sesame seeds are generally roasted, tossed with salads, used in confectionery, and also made into a paste. In fact, sesame leaves are used in Korean cuisine for a dish called potherb. In India, many dishes are cooked with oil made from sesame seed.
Popular Sesame Recipes of Various Cuisines
Sesame seed is popular in most of the cuisines and has some special significance in certain cultures. Some popular sesame dishes of various cuisines are –
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Indian – Chicken Curry is a popular sesame recipe of Indian cuisine. This seed is ground along with other spices and condiments to give the dish a nice nutty and rich flavor. Other popular Indian sesame dishes are Naan, Sautéed vegetables, certain honeyed sweets, Sweet Sesame Balls, etc.
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Mexican – Mole sauce is a popular Mexican sesame recipe. This sauce is generally served with chicken, meat and even seafood. Sesame seed is one of the ingredients of this dish that gives it thickness and a nutty flavor. Other popular Mexican sesame dishes are Mole Poblano, Pam De Yema Oaxaqueno, etc.
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Lebanese – The popular Hummus of this cuisine is well known. This sesame dish is generally served as a dip. Hommas Modammas Peta, Filafel are other popular sesame recipes of Lebanese cuisine.
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Korean – Korean marinade is a popular sesame dish of this cuisine. This dish contains both sesame seeds and sesame oil and is generally used as a marinade for meat dishes. Kimchi Buchin Kinchi Pancake is another popular Korean sesame recipe.
Non-culinary Uses of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seed oil holds a place of reverence in the Tamil culture, as it is used for worshiping Gods and that is why it is known as Nala Enney (good oil) in Tamil. Because of its medicinal properties this oil is also used for massaging.
Sesame: Trivia
Sesame seeds are rich in zinc which is essential for bone mineral density. These highly nutritious seeds are also rich in calcium which helps in preventing migraine headaches.
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