How to Use Sesame Oil in Indian Cooking

Sesame oil earns its place across several distinct roles in Indian cooking, not one fixed use. Which role it plays depends mostly on whether the oil was pressed from raw or roasted seed.

Ways to use it

As a tempering oil, popping mustard seeds and curry leaves for South Indian dishes, using the raw pressed, moderate heat variety.
Drizzled over finished dosas or idlis, where its aroma comes through clearly without needing to be cooked further.
In pickle making, where sesame oil, like mustard oil, contributes both flavour and a natural preservative quality.
Ground into chutneys alongside roasted sesame seeds, adding both moisture and flavour to the mixture.
As a finishing drizzle over a simple dal or vegetable dish, added once cooking is complete for maximum aroma.

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Sesame oil

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Sesame Oil

$3.32 · 1 KG

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Using sesame oil questions

Is sesame oil used for tempering across all of India?: It is more associated with South Indian tempering specifically, though it is used elsewhere too.
Can sesame oil be used in pickles like mustard oil?: Yes, it serves a similar role, contributing flavour and helping the pickle keep, in recipes traditionally built around it.
Should I use raw or roasted pressed sesame oil for cooking?: Raw pressed for actual cooking heat, roasted pressed for finishing, where its stronger aroma is the point.
Does sesame oil work well in chutneys?: Yes, it pairs naturally with roasted sesame seeds and other chutney ingredients, adding both moisture and flavour.

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