How to Roast Sesame Seeds

how to roast sesame seeds

One of the most useful skills I have is how to roast sesame seeds; there is nothing like the flavor.

Raw sesame seeds are great too, but there is no substitute for the roasted variety.

I love the taste of sesame seeds, with their glorious nutty flavor, and lovely crunch.

I like including these seeds in all kinds of foods I’m making.

From breads, to desserts, salads, and many other dishes.

One of my favorites is its inclusion in my za’atar mix.

What Are Sesame Seeds?

how to roast sesame seeds

Have you ever thought of what a sesame seed is, and where it comes from?

The sesame plant is a flowering species that produces seeds which grow in pods.

Sesame plants have been cultivated from the very earliest times for their nutritious seeds.

These seeds are some of the most healthy foods you can come across, with loads of nutrients, dietary fiber, and many other health benefits.

There are a couple of different methods for toasting.

Toasting In The Oven

How to roast sesame seeds

Roasting sesame seeds in the oven can take longer than doing them in a pan on the stovetop.

For the oven method, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line an ungreased baking sheet with parchment paper, pour the seeds in a single layer.

Place in the oven, removing every few minutes, shaking the pan to make sure the seeds brown evenly.

You will know that you have correctly toasted the sesame seeds when they develop a light golden brown color.

This will take about 8-10 minutes, but keep going if necessary until they are brown.

Be sure not to over brown, these delicate seeds can burn easily.

Toasting On The Stovetop

how to roast sesame seeds

I have found that a cast iron frying pan works really well for this.

Heat a dry skillet over medium low heat to begin toasting the seeds on the stove.

Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Simple as that!

Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely to room temperature.

Store the cooled seeds in a dry, sealed container in your pantry, for six months to a year.

Using Toasted Sesame Seeds In Recepies

Sesame brittle is as good a place to start as any when it comes to sesame seeds, and what to do with them.

This simple dessert is made with sesame seeds, honey or sugar and pressed into a bar or a ball.

Delicious!

Sesames seeds are a great addition to homemade crackers, cookies, breads and other baked goods.

They can be used in salads, as garnishes for soups, to add a crunch in a stirfry, or added to dips, or spice mixes like za’atar.

I would encourage you to experiment and see where you think toasted sesame seeds can be used in new ways.

FAQS

Are Sesame Seeds Gluten Free?

Yes they are!

Wonderfully gluten free and packed to the brim with goodness.

From being sprinkled on your favorite gluten free snacks, to being ground up and pressed through a fine mesh strainer to make tahini, sesame seeds are versatile.

Are Sesame Seeds Good For You?

Yes they are! In fact very good for you. 

They contain properties that help keep blood pressure low, protect the liver, and lower cholesterol.

All that plus several nutrients, vitamins, plus dietary fiber.

Do Sesame Seeds Go Bad?

Sadly they do.

It’s a good idea to store your seeds properly to give the best chance to stay fresh.

Like most seeds, sesame seeds have a high oil content and therefore are very susceptible to becoming rancid.

Be sure to keep them stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

You can keep them in the refrigerator or freezer but you need to watch out for moisture. 

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