Sesame pâté recipe

To prepare this pâté you will need sesame seeds, olive oil, garlic, lemon, cumin, salt, and a little water to adjust the consistency. The result is a smooth, creamy spread with a citrusy and spicy flavor.

Sesame pâté: step by step

• 15 min
• 2 people
• 390 Kcal

Ingredients

• 100g of sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small clove of garlic
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 to 5 tablespoons of water
• 1 tsp of honey or agave syrup (optional)
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• A drizzle of olive oil to serve.

Step-by-step preparation

• Place the sesame seeds in a dry pan and toast them over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Grind the sesame seeds in a food processor until you get a paste. This process may take several minutes; it will first resemble flour and then begin to become creamy.
• Add the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Process again and add water little by little until you get a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Taste and adjust the salt, lemon, or cumin to your liking. If you're looking for a slightly sweet contrast, stir in honey or agave syrup.
• Serve the sesame pâté in a bowl, garnish with toasted seeds and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

What you should know before preparing this recipe

• Toast the sesame seeds over medium heat to develop their flavor without burning them.
• Stir the seeds constantly while they are toasting.
• Let the sesame seeds cool slightly before grinding them.
• It's not necessary, but you can use a powerful food processor to achieve a creamier texture.
• Be patient during grinding: sesame needs time to release its natural oils.
• Add the water gradually to control the consistency.
• Don't use too much garlic, as it can overpower the flavor of the pâté.
• Adjust the lemon at the end to achieve the right balance between acidity and toasty flavor.
• If you want a silkier pâté, add a little more olive oil.
• Store the pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it preferably within 4 to 5 days.

What can you eat sesame pâté with?

You can serve it with toasted bread, crackers, carrot and cucumber crudités, arepas, tortillas, or as a side dish with roasted vegetables.

Can sesame pâté be made without garlic?

Yes. You can omit the garlic if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also substitute it with a small amount of onion powder or simply increase the lemon and cumin slightly.

Why does sesame taste bitter?

A bitter taste often develops when the seeds are over-toasted. To avoid this, use medium heat and remove them as soon as they release a toasted aroma and begin to brown slightly.

Is it possible to make sesame pâté without a food processor?

Yes. You can use a powerful blender or a mortar and pestle, although with the latter method you will need more time and effort to achieve a smooth cream.

What is the difference between sesame pâté and tahini?

Tahini is a paste made primarily from ground sesame seeds, while sesame pâté incorporates other ingredients, such as lemon, garlic, spices, water, and oil, to create a spreadable and ready-to-serve preparation.