Hey there! I’m excited to share something deliciously simple and close to my heart today—Black Sesame Soup (黑芝麻糊). It’s the kind of sweet treat that just makes you feel at home.

Imagine a creamy, nutty goodness with an earthy taste that’s not overly sweet but incredibly comforting. It’s a dessert that’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I can’t wait to share it with you. This isn’t your fancy, over-the-top dessert; it’s pure, humble goodness.

History and Tradition

Now, let’s talk a bit about the history behind this amazing black sesame soup. Imagine going back in time and discovering the origins of this beloved dessert in Chinese cuisine—it’s like reading a really tasty history book!

In ancient China, black sesame seeds weren’t just sprinkled on cereal; they were treasured for their rich, earthy flavour. People believed they were nourishing and a symbol of vitality and longevity. So, imagine having a dessert that’s not only delicious but also good for you—that’s definitely a win-win! While I may not be a history expert, I can certainly tell you this: those tiny black seeds have graced Chinese kitchens for generations.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll still find black sesame soup and other desserts made with black sesame paste as beloved treats in Chinese households. It’s not just a sweet treat; it’s a piece of Chinese culinary history that’s been passed down through many generations.

Health Benefits of Black Sesame

Black sesame isn’t just a tasty addition to your desserts; it’s actually really good for your health too.

Firstly, black sesame seeds are like tiny powerhouses of nutrients. They’re packed with stuff like iron, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats. Iron gives you energy, calcium makes your bones strong, and magnesium is great for your muscles and nerves.

But hold on, there’s more! Black sesame seeds are full of antioxidants, which act like bodyguards, protecting you from harmful free radicals. Plus, they have fibre that’s gentle on your digestive system.

Now, on the traditional side of things, people from all over the world have been using the power of black sesame for centuries. My mom, bless her heart, used to bug me during pregnancy, saying it would keep my nails strong and my hair dark and shiny. Well, fast forward to now, and I’m playing peek-a-boo with these stubborn grey hairs. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if black sesame soup is the secret to keeping my hair from turning all grey! Some people also believe it can give your memory a boost, and you might even hear that it’s the ultimate relaxer for your nerves.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), black sesame seeds are thought to nourish both the Yin and Blood. It might sound a bit mystical, but basically, it means they help balance your body’s essential energies. They’re believed to support the kidneys and liver, two heavy hitters in TCM that are crucial for overall health.

Remember those antioxidants we mentioned earlier? Well, in TCM, they’re seen as defenders against what’s called ‘internal heat,’ or as those comedy shows my hubby and I binge-watch call it, ‘heatiness.’ Haha! When things get too hot inside, it can lead to all sorts of imbalances, and black sesame is said to help keep things cool and in harmony.

From a more practical standpoint, black sesame’s high mineral content, especially in calcium and iron, makes it an excellent choice for strengthening bones and supporting healthy blood production. Plus, it’s a boon for your skin and hair—according to Traditional Chinese Medicine enthusiasts, your outer glow reflects your internal health. Adding a bit of black sesame to your diet could be a delicious way to show your body some extra love, the good old-fashioned way.

And here’s a neat twist: instead of using rice, I like to add Chinese yam (淮山) to the soup. It gives the dessert a thicker texture, which I personally enjoy. Plus, it’s believed to boost energy, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and offer benefits for the kidneys and lungs.

Using the Thermomix

Let’s talk about the process. It’s pretty straightforward. You take those lovely black sesame seeds, roast them to enhance their flavor, and then grind them into a silky-smooth paste. The texture can vary, from thick like pudding to thin, almost watery, depending on your preference. To sweeten things up, sugar or honey is often added. And there you have it, the basic recipe for black sesame soup.

Now, if you’ve ever made it in a Thermomix, you know how quick, easy, and delicious the process can be. The fantastic thing about a Thermomix is that it does everything in one go – roasting, blending, and cooking – all in just 30 minutes. This makes the process incredibly smooth and efficient. On the other hand, if you choose to prepare it on the stovetop, it might take a bit longer since you’ll need to roast, simmer, and blend the ingredients one by one. It’s still absolutely delicious, just a bit slower, with a bit more cleanup involved.

But here’s why I’m a fan of the Thermomix – it’s all about convenience and consistency. While it’s cooking away in there, I’m free to multitask and take care of other things. Sometimes, I even start it while we’re having dinner, and by the time we’re done, dessert’s good to go! So, it’s like having a kitchen sidekick that makes life a bit easier and sweeter.

Choosing the Best Black Sesame Seeds

When purchasing black sesame seeds for making black sesame soup, here are some tips and advice to consider:

1. Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality black sesame seeds. Look for seeds that appear glossy and uniform in colour. Avoid seeds that are dull or have a rancid odour, as this can affect the flavour of your dessert.
2. Raw vs. Toasted: You have the option to buy raw or pre-toasted black sesame seeds. Pre-toasted seeds can save you time in the preparation process since they are already roasted and can add a deeper flavour to your soup. However, if you prefer to toast them yourself, go for raw seeds.
3. Check for Freshness: Make sure the seeds are fresh and haven’t been sitting on the shelf for too long. Freshness can impact the flavour and aroma of your dessert.
4. Store Properly: Once you’ve purchased your black sesame seeds, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness. Avoid exposure to heat and sunlight.
5. Consider Organic: If you’re concerned about pesticides or chemicals, you might opt for organic black sesame seeds, which are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
6. Buy from Reputable Sources: Purchase your black sesame seeds from trusted and reputable sources. This ensures that you are getting a quality product.
7. Quantity: Determine how much black sesame soup you plan to make and buy an appropriate quantity. Sesame seeds can be stored for some time, but it’s best to use them within a reasonable timeframe to maintain their freshness.

Variations and Regional Twists: A Dessert Adventure

Mixing things up is what keeps life interesting, right? Well, that applies to black sesame paste desserts too! These tasty treats have some cool variations and regional differences that add a little extra flair to every occasion.

1. Mochi Madness: In Japan, they’re crazy about mochi, those chewy rice cakes. They often wrap black sesame paste in mochi, creating a delightful mix of textures- soft and smooth.

2. Tangyuan Tales: In many Chinese households, you’ll find tangyuan, which are glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame paste. They’re typically served during the Lantern Festival and symbolize family togetherness. These are one of our family favourites. I love to make a brown sugar and ginger soup base with chunks of sweet potatoes. So delicious!

3. Korean Delights: In Korea, they’re all about the sweet and nutty black sesame soup. It’s like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days. Also another one of our family favourites and what I like to enjoy during the fall and winter seasons.

4. Southeast Asian Flair: In Southeast Asia, people like to get creative. You might find black sesame paste incorporated into ice creams, puddings, or even bubble teas for a modern twist.

5. Fusion Frenzy: Sometimes, chefs like to get adventurous and fuse black sesame paste with Western desserts like cheesecakes, brownies, or cookies.

Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed this dessert. My mom used to make it for me throughout my childhood, and I’ve always cherished its nutty, creamy goodness—it just speaks to my soul. Even today, I’m still whipping up those black sesame treats, and my kids love them just as much as I do. It’s like a delicious tradition that has stood by me through thick and thin. There’s something incredibly warm and comforting about it. For me, it’s not just dessert; it’s a small piece of nostalgia in a bowl. Who would’ve thought that such a simple dessert could hold so many memories and still make my taste buds dance after all these years?

This dessert definitely strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, exudes a delightful aroma, boasts a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture, is abundantly rich, and leaves an indelible impression that’s impossible to forget. It’s the best way to wrap up any meal. Next time you spot a black sesame dessert on the menu or at your local market, give it a try. You’ll enjoy a delicious treat and get a taste of some sweet cultural heritage at the same time.

I’d love to hear from you. Share your own black sesame dessert stories or recipes below. Let’s keep the conversation rolling!

Black Sesame Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour or Chinese yam (淮山)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups water
• A pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, coconut milk, or chopped nuts

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Roast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry, non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the black sesame seeds and toast them, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and slightly golden (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn them.
2. Grind the sesame seeds: Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool. Then, grind them into a fine powder using a food processor or blender.
3. Make sesame paste: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds with glutinous rice flour. Gradually add water while stirring to form a smooth paste.
4. Cook the soup: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the sesame paste, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously over low heat until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency (usually about 10-15 minutes). Adjust the sugar according to your taste.
5. Serve: Ladle the hot black sesame soup into bowls. You can garnish it with toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of coconut milk, or chopped nuts for added flavour and texture.

Ingredients (Thermomix):

• 120 g black sesame seeds
• 60 g white rice, washed and drained or Chinese yam (淮山)
• 50 g rock sugar
• 800 g water

Thermomix Instructions:

1. Roast the sesame seeds: This step is optional, but I like to give them a toast. Place the black sesame seeds in the Thermomix mixing bowl. Toast them by setting the Thermomix to Varoma temperature and speed 1. Toast for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Then, transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a separate container to cool.
2. Make sesame paste: Place black sesame seeds, white rice and rock sugar into the mixing bowl, grind for 10 sec/speed 8 , and use a spatula to scrape the ingredients around the bowl.
3. Add water and cook: Add water and cook for 30 min/100°C/speed 1.  Use a spatula to scrape up the sediment at the bottom, then mix 1 min/speed 10 and serve.
4. Serve: Ladle the hot black sesame soup into bowls. You can garnish it with toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of coconut milk, or chopped nuts for added flavour and texture.