Sesame seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, and they’re a perfect addition to any vegan diet. They’re an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and they contain numerous vitamins and minerals. Additionally, sesame seeds have a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and improving heart health.
There are many ways to incorporate sesame seeds into your vegan diet. You can add them to salads, stir-fries, soups, or grain dishes. You can also use them to make homemade pesto or hummus. Or, simply sprinkle them on top of cooked veggies or grains for a little extra flavor and nutrition. Below are some recipes that feature sesame seeds:
– Vegan Falafel
– Creamy Sesame Seed Dressing
– Spicy Sesame Noodles
– Roasted Cauliflower with Sesame Seeds
– Quinoa and Kale Salad with Sesame Seeds
– Sesame Seed Crusted Tofu
Vegan Falafel
Vegan Falafel is one of the best options for using sesame seeds in your vegan diet. Here is how to make it in a few short steps.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– ¼ cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon ground coriander
– ¼ teaspoon chili powder
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, parsley, sesame seeds, flour, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the falafel and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve with vegan tzatziki sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Sesame Seed Pesto
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– ¼ cup sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
3. Serve with pasta, on sandwiches, or as a dip.
Creamy Sesame Seed Dressing
Ingredients:
– ¼ cup tahini
– ¼ cup water
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ cup oil (vegetable, olive, or sesame)
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the tahini, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender running, slowly add the oil in a steady stream.
3. Add the sesame seeds and pulse a few times to combine.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
5. Serve with salad, grilled vegetables, or rice dishes.
Spicy Sesame Noodles
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces noodles (udon, soba, or linguine)
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons chili oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– ¼ cup tahini
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, ginger, tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and salt.
3. Drain the noodles and add them to the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat.
4. Add the green onions and sesame seeds and toss again. Serve immediately.
Roasted Cauliflower with Sesame Seeds
Ingredients:
– 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the florets on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Quinoa and Kale Salad with Sesame Seeds
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups chopped kale
– ½ red onion, diced
– ¼ cup raisins
– ¼ cup chopped almonds
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, kale, red onion, raisins, almonds, and sesame seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, and salt.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Sesame Seed Crusted Tofu
Ingredients:
– 1 block extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes and add to a large bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
4. Transfer to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven for 10 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
