How to Toast Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds come in different colors (tan, black, brown, reddish, off-white, gold, gray) but the most common ones used in cooking are off-white and black.

Sesame seeds have the highest oil content of any seed, are a great source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, and are rich in protein.

Plain sesame seeds are flavorless. Once they are toasted that's when their rich, nutty flavor comes through.

Toasted sesame seeds (also known as roasted seeds if done in the oven) are widely used in cooking to enhance the flavor of soups, salads, stir fry, meat, fish, baked goods, and other dishes.

Below are instructions on how to toast sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• Sesame Seeds
• Salt (optional)

Instructions 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot place raw sesame seeds inside so that they cover the bottom of the skillet.
2. Sprinkle with salt if desired and keep turning them with a spatula until they are golden brown. They should be done in a few minutes. Keeping them on the skillet too long and not turning them frequently will cause them to burn and become dark brown.

For even toasting of sesame seeds put only enough sesame seeds to cover the bottom of the skillet. Putting too much sesame seeds into the skillet will leave many seeds their original color. If this happens do not worry. You will still get the full flavor of sesame seeds since they will be mixed with the golden brown ones.

If you have a lot of sesame seeds to toast you can do them in batches. Just repeat all the steps above. Once the seeds are toasted let them cool off and then place in a glass jar or container and store them on the shelf with the spices. You can use them in your cooking to enhance the flavor of the dishes... They are great with anything you make.

How to Use Toasted Sesame Seeds in Cooking

Toasted sesame seeds are usually added toward the end of a dish's cooking time. They can also be sprinkled on a dish after it's been prepared already. You can use toasted sesame seeds pretty much with any dish you can think of. They will enhance the flavor of the dish and also make it look nicer presentation-wise if used simply as a garnish. Sprinkle a little or sprinkle a lot. Either way you can't go wrong.

Toasted sesame seeds are a favorite of my mine and I use them frequently in my dishes. I don't buy toasted sesame seeds. I just buy the plain ones sold in a Chinese store and then toast them myself the way I've described above. I love the aroma that fills the kitchen when the sesame seeds are being toasted in the skillet. That's one of the reasons I prefer toasting my own sesame seeds rather than buying from the store those that already are.

Greek Caviar Spread on a Toasted Bagel

Bagels make a great breakfast. They can be filled with many different ingredients: veggies, cheeses, cream cheese, cold cuts, sausages, eggs, smoked salmon and other smoked fish. One other ingredient that can be placed inside the bagel is Greek caviar spread called Taramosalata. It is salty, delicious, and will liven up your breakfast.

Whether you are a fan of caviar or not, you are sure going to love this Greek caviar spread. Don't be hesitant to try it. It is really good. I eat it all the time.

You may think that you need to fly to Greece or go to some five start gourmet Greek restaurant to try it but you don't. All you have to do is search for it online. You can even stop by your local food store to see if they carry it.

If you want to eat something different and delicious for breakfast give the Greek caviar spread a try. It comes in three different varieties: lite, regular, and smoked. Spread it on a toasted bagel and enjoy with hot tea, coffee, or some veggies on the side like a tomato or cucumber. You can even have some olives too. Here is how I enjoy this Greek caviar spread. Remember you don't just have to eat it for breakfast. You can eat it any time of the day. It is that good.

Ingredients

• 1 Bagel
• Taramosalata (Greek Caviar Spread) (I love Krinos brand)
• 1 Kumato Tomato
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
• Roasted or Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional)
• Dried Basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut a bagel in half and lightly toast. Once done remove onto a plate.
2. Spread a desired amount of Taramosalata (Greek caviar spread) onto one half of the bagel.
3. Wash one kumato tomato and cut in round slices.
4. Place the tomato slices on top of the Greek caviar spread, drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. You can even sprinkle roasted or toasted sesame seeds and basil on top of the tomato if you like. Cover with the other half of the bagel and enjoy.

If you think that a bagel is too much for you then you can substitute it with some freshly baked bread. I love the French baguette the best but other breads will work well too.

Baba Ganoush, Alfalfa Sprouts, Salami Sandwich

Baba ganoush is a mashed eggplant dish that is made with olive oil, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and spices. Depending on who makes the dish there can be other ingredients added to the recipe.

Baba ganoush is delicious used as a dip but it is also great when used in sandwiches. Here is one sandwich recipe that makes use of baba ganoush. You are going to love it! It is a healthy sandwich and tastes great too!

I just came up with it the other day and after trying it I am hooked. It is certainly a different sandwich than what I am used to eating and that's good because eating the same thing all the time can get a bit boring and unenjoyable.

Sandwich: Baba ganoush, alfalfa sprouts, salami

Ingredients

• Pumpernickel Rye Bread
• Baba Ganoush
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Salami
• Fresh Basil
• Orange Grape Tomatoes

Instructions

1. Take two pieces of pumpernickel rye bread and toast them.
2. Spread Baba Ganoush on the toasted bread.
3. Add a few fresh leaves of basil, a few slices of salami, and a handful of alfalfa sprouts.
4. Wash some orange grape tomatoes and add them on the side with the sandwich.

This sandwich will go great with turkey breast, ham, or fried Mortadella instead of salami. You can even leave out the deli meats altogether and just have yourself a vegetarian sandwich. There are so many variations of this sandwich that you can make. The possibilities are endless. Just be creative.