Sesame Oil (Til Tel)
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The oil that sustains the heat of South India! Fresh earthy aromas that don't roast
Description
Unlike Japanese roasted brown sesame oil, a clear to pale yellow oil pressed directly from raw sesame (Taihaku sesame oil). Grants heavy richness and unique flavor in South Indian cuisine.
Classification: For Maniacs,Plant Oil,Savoriness
Shops selling Sesame Oil (Til Tel)
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The How to use section below is a general reference, not instructions from the listed shops.
How to use
Ingredients
- Sesame oil(Unroasted)
Instructions
- When making South Indian Tamarind/Lemon Rice, heat this sesame oil in a pan, temper mustard seeds and lentils (Urad Dal etc.).
- When making super-spicy/sour pickles (Achar), use massively as base oil to enhance preservation/flavor.
- Also used as massage oil in Ayurveda.
Learn more Substitutes, pairings, tips
Key spices
None
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Vegetable oil (sesame's unique aroma vanishes but as cooking oil sub)
Pairing
Tamarind Rice, Mango Achar, South Indian stir-fries
Trivia
[Hardcore] 'Til' means sesame, 'Tel' means oil. Using Japanese 'roasted sesame oil' yields a Chinese-food-like burnt sesame odor, so the iron rule when reproducing Indian food is invariably choosing 'unroasted clear sesame oil (or Taihaku sesame oil)'.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Usage] Top up inside spicy pickle (Achar) jars, completely submerging spices and ingredients in a sea of oil so they don't touch air to prevent oxidation!
Allergen
Sesame