Generally, vegetable oils don’t add much in the way of flavoring. Sesame oil, on the other hand, knows how to pack a punch. This popular ingredient in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine has a richer and nuttier taste, adding its own distinct twist to any dish. Whether you toss it in a stir-fry or mix it with vinegar to dress your salads, the unique flavor will leave you brainstorming for ways to incorporate it into more of your cooking.

Sesame, If You Please

Beyond the Wok

According to traditional medicine, sesame oil has unique anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat toothaches, joint pains, and the like.

Nice and Toasty

Recipe calls for toasted sesame oil and you only have regular? Heat up a pan, pour the oil in, and keep swirling to avoid burning. It’s ready when the oil darkens and gives off a nutty aroma.

Proceed with Caution

In 2023, sesame will officially be treated like one of the eight major food allergens by the FDA, getting its own warning on food labels along with milk, peanuts, gluten, and soy.

Sesame-Lime Farro Salad

Recipe by Chavi Feldman

Don’t be afraid to try quinoa’s cousin, farro. Here it’s presented as an Asian salad that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

SERVES 12

• 2 cups or 14 oz (400 g) pearled farro
• 1 tsp salt
• water to cover, about 4 cups
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 30 snap peas, sliced into quarters
• 6 scallions, sliced
• 2 cups sliced small button mushrooms
• ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
• ¾ cup honey-roasted peanuts, for garnish

Dressing

• ⅔ cup oil
• juice of 2 large limes, or ⅓ cup lime juice
• zest of 1 lime
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1½ Tbsp soy sauce
• 1½ Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp ground ginger

Rinse farro in cold water and drain. Place in a medium-sized pot and add salt and enough water to cover.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20–30 minutes until soft but still chewy. Drain off any excess water and fluff gently with a fork. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients aside from the peanuts. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl and pour on top, mixing well. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Add peanuts right before serving and toss to combine.