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Sesame is first mentioned in a cuneiform document written 4,000 years ago, that describes the custom of serving the gods sesame wine. Herodotus, the historian, writes about the cultivation of sesame 3,500 years ago in the region of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Ancient Iraq where it was mainly used as a source of oil.
The difference between Japanese sesame paste/neri goma and tahini is that neri goma is made with unhulled sesame seeds and tahini is made with hulled sesame seeds. Although homemade sesame pastes are possible, I purchased one in a jar from a Japanese market, for its finer finish.
Some of us know sesame paste as tahini or other names. It is used in all kinds of culinary creations. In Japan, both white and black sesame pastes are used to make dressings, sauces, and desserts. Some may think that black sesame paste adds undesirable grey color to the food. But don’t mind that. Its unique nutty, toasty flavor soon makes you a fan.
Japanese are very creative in using traditionally Japanese cuisine ingredients to make European desserts, such as this black sesame panna cotta treat!
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Black Sesame Panna Cotta
Recipe by: Fae’s Twist & Tango (fae-magazine.com)
INGREDIENTS
• 7 gr / ¼ oz / 2¼ tsp unflavored, powdered gelatin -or- 2¼ tsp / 4.5 gr agar-agar
• 1¼ cups / 300 ml cold whole-milk, divided into ¼ cups & 1 cup
• 1¼ cups / 300 ml heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup / 100 gr granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp black sesame paste (need to be well mixed before use)
Note:
– To make plain panna cotta, skip sesame paste and add ½ tsp pure vanilla extract.
– To make vegan version, use agar-agar, non-dairy cream and milk of choice.
– For lesser calorie, change 300ml/300ml milk/cream ratio to 450ml/150ml. Heat the cream, plus 150ml of milk. It will not be thick panna cotta consistency, but of soft pudding.
– Have ready, six 120 ml/ 4 oz(1/2 cup) ramekins or dessert glasses
– Have a big bowl of ice water ready for ice bath
DIRECTIONS
◊ In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over 1/4 cup cold milk, mix and let bloom for 10 minutes.
◊ Meanwhile, in a medium-sized saucepan, on medium-heat, heat heavy cream and sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved and very hot, before simmering/boiling. Add bloomed gelatin and stir constantly, until gelatin is completely melted. Add black sesame paste and stir well until well heated (not simmering/boiling). Remove from heat.
◊ Pour in remaining cold whole-milk and stir well. Place saucepan on the ice-water and continue to stir until mixture cools down to consistency of a soft custard. This stirring process over ice-bath is very important. This is to keep sesame particles from separating and sinking to the bottom of the molds and to give even finish (as seen through the glass in the photos).
◊ Pour the mixture into prepared molds/glasses. Put on a tray and chill in refrigerator for 2~4 hours or until fully set. Dessert may be made in advance and should retain freshness in refrigerator for three days. To serve, top with a little whipped cream.
~ どうぞめしあがれ • Douzo Meshiagare ~
How about serving as Halloween dessert?
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So, what’s cooking in your kitchen?
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Great idea. I would not have thought of using black sesame seeds. Gina
Hi Gina, Isn’t it interesting? It really adds to the concept of variety. 🙂
What a perfect treat for Halloween Fae. So delicate and flavorful too. Wow, what a genius using black sesame paste. Love the idea, brilliant all around. Happy Halloween 🙂
Hi Loretta, Thank you for liking this grey, but yet very delicious version of panna cotta which really suits the day! Happy Halloween! 😀 )))
Beautiful idea Fae. I have never cooked with black sesame and this looks like an amazing recipe to start with .
Hi SKD, In Japan, in addition to their cultural cuisine, black sesame is used in many desserts and baking, i.e. cookies, ice-creams, etc. 🙂
What an original look for a dessert, Fae. And thanks for the explanation of the different sesame pastes, I had been wondering about that. The even distribution of the sesame seeds in your panna cotta is magnificent.
Hi Stefan, Isn’t this version of panna cotta interesting? 😀 I appreciate your visit and kind comment. 🙂
What a great idea, Fae! This is such a perfect dessert for a Halloween dinner party! Brava!
Hi Francesca, Yes, with the color it creates, it’ll fit perfect for Halloween. Is Her Majesty wearing a costume? 🙂
Such a striking dessert Fae and I’m sure the flavour is beautiful in it’s all it’s delicious toastiness. I’d love to try this sometime soon.
Hi Margot, It certainly is an intriguing dessert. Please do give it a go for variety. 🙂
such an eye-catching dessert! You’re v creative Fae.
Hi, This is not an original idea. I have the Japanese to thank for. 🙂
Beautiful and elegant dessert, Fae. Love the version with black sesame paste and I always learn something new with you. Have a nice day! 🙂
Hi Linda, At first glance, the color of it is striking, but once in the mouth, you’ll be a fan. 🙂
This is such an elegant-looking dessert! 🙂
Thank you, Nancy! 🙂
Thank you for the background information. It is good to learn something new when reading a recipe. I love panna cotta. The Japanese fusion makes it so attractive!
Hi Chris, I’m glad you found the post informative. 🙂
I wonder what the sesame wine tasted like? I love hearing how the ancients eat.
Hi Virginia, Like you, I’m always amazed by what I read and find out about history of foods. It always opens my eyes for new possibilities. 🙂
Wow! The creamy panna cotta must be delicious with the black sesame. Great idea! 🙂
Hi Lili, Panna cotta is delicious in every flavor. This one is with twist and it adds delicious nutty flavor, which is delightful. 🙂
This looks so good and what an interesting history sesame has! I love how the Japanese use black sesame. Do people still make sesame wine? I imagine it might be something I’d enjoy. I love how your addition of sesame seeds here takes a traditional dessert and adds such a creative and delicious twist. xo
Hi Amanda, Since I don’t consume alcohol, I’ve never checked about the sesame wine. Like you, I love to eat traditional food which incorporates nontraditional ingredients. Japanese are masters at that. 🙂
Fae, this is a great idea! I bought a jar of black sesame paste a while ago, and now I have no idea what to use it for. I bet this tastes delicious, and not too sweet. What else would you suggest making with black sesame paste?
Hi Darya, Like matcha, black sesame paste is used in smoothie, parfait, mousse, ice-cream, cookie, crackers, macarons, cake, bread, dressing and more. Search browser for foods/desserts made with black sesame and see what delights you. 🙂
Fae that is the most beautiful elegant dessert. I love it. Saved this recipe, it’s just so pretty I love panna cotta, so cold and creamy.
Hi Suzanne, Any kind of food particle in a jello like consistency has an extra step to think of, but sure is well worth it. 🙂
I love panna cotta but never have tried it with sesame paste. Perfect dessert for Halloween 🙂
Hi Judi, I love panna cotta in every flavor. 🙂 This is one is unique with a nutty flavor and color. Being black and topped with ghost like cream, I thought it would serve Halloween perfectly! 😀 )))