Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup black sesame seeds
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large pot
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a dry pan, toast the black sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned.
2. In a blender or food processor, grind the sesame seeds until they become a fine powder.
3. In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.
4. Add the ground sesame seeds, sugar, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
7. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot while whisking constantly.
8. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes.
10. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
11. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Ground turmeric can be used instead of ground ginger for a different spice profile.
- Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch as a thickener.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
- Top with sliced green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a more savory soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the sesame seeds before grinding them enhances their flavor.
- Be sure to whisk the cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps in the soup.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in a bowl with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Crusty bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Asian-style salad
- Steamed dumplings
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, add more cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the soup thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Black sesame seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are believed to have many health benefits.
Flavor profiles:
- Nutty
- Spicy
- Sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a comforting soup on a cold day.
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