SESAME SEED PASTE RECIPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Start by roasting your sesame seeds. Place a non-stick pan on a medium-high heat and, when hot, add all the sesame seeds. Toast the seeds, moving them about regularly with a spoon. You should hear a bit of sizzling and popping after a few minutes - keep a close eye and keep moving them with a spoon at this point, as they can burn quite quickly if ignored. Once the seeds have darkened slightly and smell toasty (it took me about 5 minutes to reach this point), take them off the heat to cool for a minute or two.
• Once the seeds have cooled slightly, tip them into a food processor and blend on the highest setting until you can see that most of the seeds have broken up. Then with the motor still running, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil. It should incorporate and begin to form a smooth, oily paste.
• Once all of the neutral oil has been added, boost the sesame flavour and season by adding in the sesame oil and salt.
• Give one final blend to incorporate and then taste for seasoning and consistency. The paste should be slightly salty and strongly aromatic from the sesame. The consistency is personal preference. My favourite bowl of Taiwanese cold noodles had a slightly rustic texture, but if you want it smoother, just run the motor for a bit longer.
• Pour the final paste into a clean jar (preferably sterilized) and keep refrigerated. Under these conditions, the paste should last for at least a month (most likely longer - but always check before using!).

Steps:

• Place the peanuts and sesame seeds in a blender. Pour in enough water to not quite cover, and puree to a smooth, creamy paste. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaf. Stir in onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Mix in ginger garlic paste, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Stir in tomato, and cook about 5 minutes.
• Add chili powder, green chilies, turmeric, and salt. Stir in half of the mint and half of the cilantro. Add peanut and sesame paste, stirring vigorously to prevent sticking. Stir in potatoes, mixing well to coat. Pour in enough water to not quite cover potatoes, and mix thoroughly. Stir in remaining mint and cilantro, and cover; cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft and the sauce is reduced to a creamy paste, about 30 minutes.