Chinese seasoning: Sesame paste
| Sesame paste is made from toasted white sesame seeds. Thick and brown, it has a thick, creamy consistency that resembles peanut butter. It is most popular in the northern and western regions of China. One popular use of the sesame seed paste is for cold noodle dressing to give the dish a full, nutty flavor. Because sesame seeds contain about 50 percent oil, sesame paste will separate into a layer of oil floating over an almost solid paste layer at the bottom of the jar or tin. Do not discard it as it is the oil that keeps the paste moist. Simply try to stir the layers together (sounds easier than done), or recruit the help of a blender (much easier). Sesame paste usually comes in glass jars - refrigerate when opened, and it should keep for several months. If you purchased one in a can, remember to transfer it to a non-metal container, tightly sealed and refrigerated. |
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