Toast sesame seeds to prepare toasted sesame seed oil.
Toasted sesame seed oil, used in many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, contains the same nutrients found in regular sesame seeds, including copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin B1. Sesame seeds contain a high level of sesame oil, which is known to be resistant to going rancid--a state when oil tastes bitter. While most manufacturers must cool or press sesame seeds to make the oil--a lengthy process--you can prepare your own toasted sesame oil by using sunflower seed oil.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spread raw sesame seeds in a single layer on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack.
4. Check the seeds after 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and stir them around with a spoon.
5. Place the baking pan back in the oven on the middle rack. Keep baking for another 10 to 20 minutes, watching them closely.
6. Remove the baking pan from the oven when the sesame seeds have a light brown color and a nutty aroma. Allow to cool on a plate or another flat surface.
7. Place 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds and 1 cup sunflower seed oil into a pan on the stove. Heat on medium heat for 2 minutes.
8. Empty the mixture into a blender and blend until the sesame seeds are broken into tiny pieces.
9. Let the mixture sit for 2 hours.
10. Strain out the seeds by emptying the mixture into a bowl covered with a cheesecloth or towel.
11. Empty and store the mixture in an airtight container, preferably one with a spout for pouring.
Tags: sesame seeds, sesame seeds, baking sheet, from oven, middle rack, mixture into
