Sesame Powder

Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunch to many dishes. It is also the main ingredient in many vegetarian dishes like sesame rice (puliyogare), sesame tikki and tahini (sesame seed paste).  Sesame seeds may be the oldest condiment known to mankind. These seeds are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity. Sesame powder is an Indian traditional powder similar to chutney powder but made of sesame (ellu) and red chillies. The traditional value of the powder is because of the calcium content that sesame powder carries.

Sesame known to contain calcium which is needed for stronger bones.  It is good for women who is undergoing menopause. People who do not like sesame sweets can make this powder, mix with rice and have. One can prepare sesame powder within 20 minutes and store it in airtight container for months.

Ingredients:

1. White sesame seeds – 1 cup
2. Red chillies -6-7
3. Curry leaves – 10
4. Salt to taste

Preparation: 

• Dry fry sesame seeds in a pan without oil, till seeds starts cracking or pop or one can also use raw white sesame seeds.
• If you are frying sesame seeds then, allow seeds to cool.
• Dry fry red chillies in a pan and keep chillies aside to cool.
• Dry fry curry leaves and allow leaves to cool.
• Transfer all ingredients in to ginder and prepare coarse powder
• Add salt to sesame powder and mix well.
• Store in tight container. Whenever feel like having sesame powder, prepare fresh rice, add little ghee or oil and mix well. Have sesame powder rice with pappad and plain yogurt on the side.

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