Goma ae- Beans with Sesame dressing.

 

 

Goma ae is a dish where you can enjoy the distinctive flavours of sesame seeds as well as its health benefits.

 Sesame seeds are one of the oldest condiments known to mankind, and they add a delicate flavour and nutty crunch to many Asian dishes and Middle Eastern favorites.

Recent studies have shown that these tiny seeds contain powerful antioxidants that help the body to fight many chronic diseases and the effects of ageing. They are also very high in plant compounds called phytosterols that help to lower cholesterol levels. 

Sesame seeds are exceptionally nutritious, containing natural compounds with powerful health properties, and are also a very good source of many minerals, including magnesium and calcium, which help to regulate blood pressure and build stronger bones.

 

 

Goma ae is one of my favourite vegetable dishes from Japan and is a dish where sesame seeds play the key role, combined with all the goodness and flavours of fresh blanched vegetables.

Goma in Japanese means Sesame and ‘ae’ is a short form of ‘aeru’, meaning ‘to mix.’ Sesame seeds are ground to a coarse powder, soy sauce and sugar are added to flavour, and fresh blanched vegetables are simply tossed in the mixture.

A special ceramic pot with ridged sides called ‘Suribachi’ and a wooden stick called ‘Surigoki’ are used traditionally to grind the sesame seeds. You can use a pestle and mortar, spice mill or food processor to grind the toasted sesame seeds or you can use Tahini (sesame paste) instead. Simply mix tahini with sugar and soy sauce and add a tablespoon of warm water to loosen the mixture if you find it is too dry. The amount of sugar and soy sauce is a personal preference and you should adjust it according to your liking. I like mine slightly salty with a sweet note…

 

 

GOMA AE ( Beans with toasted sesame seed  dressing)

Fresh beans- 250g

Toasted sesame seeds- ½ cup

Sugar – 1-2  tablespoon

Soy sauce -1-2 tablespoon

Method                           

•  Grind the toasted sesame seeds into a coarse powder .Mix  with sugar, and soy sauce and keep aside.
• Wash and cook beans  in salted boiling water for a few minutes until cooked. Rinse in cold water and drain in a colander
• Cut the beans into one inch bite size pieces
• Mix cooked beans with the sesame  mixture and serve with toasted sesame seeds on top.