How to create savory sesame salt in the Vietnamese culinary legend - Mytour

Sesame salt, although humble, embodies the rich culinary heritage of the Vietnamese people. Its salty flavor complements the nutty essence of sesame seeds, enhancing dishes like rice, sticky rice, or porridge. Join Mytour in the kitchen and learn the art of making delicious sesame salt.

1. Introduction to Sesame Salt

Sesame salt is an indispensable part of ancient Vietnamese meals. In the past, our country relied heavily on agriculture. When heading to the fields, people would often bring a handful of hot rice and a bit of sesame salt wrapped in banana leaves for lunch. Those traveling long distances would carry jars of sesame salt to snack on along the way because it keeps well, tastes delightful, and is easy to eat. Moreover, the process of making sesame salt involves various stages, reflecting the intricacy of Vietnamese cuisine.

In modern times, sesame salt is highly favored not only for its delightful flavor but also for its nutritional value. Sesame contains abundant Omega 3, various vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats. These components help lower high blood pressure, enhance memory, aid digestion, promote eye health, prevent skin aging, and facilitate smooth blood circulation. Particularly, it's a perfect suggestion for those looking to supplement their diet.

2. How to Make Sesame Salt

Sesame salt is both aromatic and rich, suitable for preserving and enjoying with various other dishes. If you're unfamiliar with making sesame salt the traditional way, check out the recipe below to prepare it just like your grandparents did.

Preparing the Ingredients

• 100g white sesame seeds
• 200g raw peanuts
• 2 tablespoons rock salt

Execution Guide

Step 1: Heat a pan on the stove, when the pan is hot, reduce the heat to low, add the white sesame seeds and roast. Use a spatula to stir the sesame seeds for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown, release a fragrant aroma, and start popping. Turn off the heat, transfer to a bowl, and let cool.

Step 2: After pouring the sesame seeds into the bowl, continue to add raw peanuts into the pan. Stir the peanuts evenly over low heat until they are evenly cooked and not burnt. Roast until the peanuts turn reddish-brown, the shells crack, and there are small black spots on the peanut kernels, then turn off the heat.

Step 3: Spread the roasted peanuts on a newspaper, wrap tightly, and let sit for 20 minutes. After resting, transfer the peanuts to a sieve and shake evenly to remove the husks.

Step 4: Continue using the peanut roasting pan to roast the salt. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the rock salt. Roast for about 3 minutes until the salt releases its moisture, leaving behind fine, fragrant, and crispy grains.

Step 5: Put the husked roasted peanuts into a ziplock bag, crush them until they break into 2-3 pieces. For finer sesame salt, you can crush the peanuts further. Then add the roasted sesame seeds into the same bag with the peanuts, and crush them together.

Step 6: Combine the crushed sesame seeds, peanuts, and salt in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Transfer the sesame salt into a glass jar with a lid, seal tightly, and store in a cool place. When using, take out the desired amount and seal tightly again to prevent moisture.

Explore more: How to make delicious fish sauce for savory pancakes

3. Perfectly Delicious Sesame Salt

Delicious sesame salt has a uniform golden color, without being burnt or dull, with the distinctive aroma of roasted sesame and peanuts. When enjoyed, you'll taste the salty flavor of the salt and the sweet nuttiness of sesame and peanuts. This dish can be served with rice, sticky rice, porridge, or as a dip for vegetables, adding rich flavors.

The method of making sesame salt above is an ideal choice for vegetarians and those with gout who need to avoid meat. Especially, if you're planning to lose weight and are tired of boiled dishes, you can dip this salt. Vegetables or steamed meat dipped in sesame salt eaten with brown rice is not only flavorful and nutritious but also helps prevent excess weight.

4. Important Notes for Making Sesame Salt

When trying out the sesame salt recipe, you should note:

• Choose plump peanuts with light pink shells, not discolored or shriveled, for tastier sesame salt.
• When roasting peanuts, you can add a little salt to ensure even roasting and prevent burning. When pouring peanuts onto a sieve, the excess salt will be filtered out.
• If you want to save time crushing peanuts and sesame seeds, you can use a blender. Be sure to pulse the blender quickly and then turn it off to avoid over-processing the peanuts.
• When making sesame salt, estimate the amount you need for a few days because prolonged storage will make the peanuts smell rancid and the salt lose its freshness.
• Sesame salt should only be stored in a cool, dry place; storing it in the refrigerator will cause the peanuts to lose their crispiness.
• Sesame salt is best consumed within 3 to 5 days for optimal flavor. However, if left for too long, it may become exposed to air, become moist, and lose its original flavor.
• If you want to enhance the sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavor.

Sesame salt is a rustic dish but extremely familiar, closely associated with the childhood of many people. With the sesame salt recipe above, you can prepare a nutritious and hearty dish for the whole family. Keep following Mytour for more delicious recipes!

Related topics you might be interested in:

• 2 Ways to Make Korean Black Bean Sauce

• 3 Ways to Make 'Divine' Chicken Dipping Sauce