Try these innovative African sesame seed dishes
What's the story
Sesame seeds, a beloved ingredient in African cuisine, hold the potential to transform your meals.
Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, these tiny seeds add a unique, nutty taste to any dish.
Discover five creative ways to use sesame seeds in your cooking, and experience the rich diversity of African culinary traditions.
Flatbread
Sesame seed flatbread
Sesame seed flatbread, loved by many African cultures, is a delicious and easy-to-make bread.
It is made from a mixture of flour, water, yeast, and a hearty amount of toasted sesame seeds.
This combination creates a bread with a crunchy crust and a soft, flavorful interior.
Perfect for dipping in soups and stews or enjoying on its own, this flatbread is a testament to culinary simplicity and flavor.
Wafers
Benne wafers
Hailing from West Africa and brought to life in the low-country boil of the American South, benne wafers are delicate cookies crafted from toasted sesame seeds, sugar, butter, and flour.
These thin, crispy delights offer a sweet and nutty taste that's hard to resist - perfect for snacking or as a light dessert after a big meal.
Salad
Sesame spinach salad
Light and healthy, the sesame spinach salad proves sesame seeds can be the star of the show in salads too!
Fresh spinach leaves are tossed in a dressing of ground sesame seeds, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. The result is a flavor explosion that perfectly enhances the natural taste of the greens.
And for that finishing touch of crunch and depth, toasted sesame seeds are generously sprinkled on top.
Dates
Tahini stuffed dates
Tahini stuffed dates combine the natural sweetness of dates with the creamy, rich indulgence of tahini, a paste made from finely ground sesame seeds.
These bite-sized delicacies are often rolled in crushed nuts or coconut flakes, adding a satisfying crunch.
Perfect as appetizers or a sweet ending to any meal, these stuffed dates are a simple yet luxurious treat.
Tea
Sesame ginger tea
A comforting drink with numerous health benefits is sesame ginger tea.
Simply boil slices of ginger with toasted sesame seeds and add honey for sweetness if you like.
This tea is perfect for warming up during the cold months or as a refreshing iced beverage in the summer.
The aromatic flavors make it a great way to relax after a busy day.