Black Sesame Paste (refined sugar free)

Many will be more familiar with white sesame seeds than black or brown sesame seeds. The main difference is that white sesame seeds have their nutritious hulls (shells) removed, which is needed to help the liver metabolize the high fat content of the seeds. So always try to buy brown or black sesame seeds!

Brown sesame seeds are my go-to garnish in rice bowls and salads while black sesame seeds are my go-to in dessert dishes. Compared to brown sesame seeds, the flavors of black sesame seeds are more intense and nutty without overpowering the sweetness.

When black sesame seeds are mashed or ground, their natural oils form a paste. This paste is very popular in Asian desserts, like mochi, bread, ice cream, etc.

Black sesame paste is difficult to find in your local grocery store but are usually in Asian grocery markets. However, the store-bought paste is a bit too sweet so my mom used to dilute the paste with milk. Now I don’t have to do that as I can make my own paste at home using a natural sweetener – dates!

The gooey, caramel flavors of dates do not overpower the nutty black sesame seeds but rather add body and depth. Try this paste in my Black Sesame Rice cakes or in my Korean Pancakes!

---

quick notes

• Soak medjool dates in hot water for 5 minutes if they have been sitting in the refrigerator. Squeeze out extra moisture before adding them to food processor.
• If you only have access to raw black sesame seeds, you can toast them in a pan over medium high heat for 5 minutes, or until toasty and fragrant.

---

BLACK SESAME PASTE

• ¼ cup toasted black sesame seeds (See note below)
• ½ cup medjool dates

Blend black sesame seeds in a food processor until the natural oils from the seeds forms a smooth paste.

Add medjool dates to the paste and blend again.

Feel free to double recipe for bigger batch!

---

p.s. If you like this recipe, click the icons below to share and leave a comment below! Make sure to tag me @girlmeetsradish & #girlmeetsradish so I can see what you are making!