Sesame Paste (black/white)

Sesame paste is a key ingredient in many Asian cultures (not unlike sesame powder, which is exactly what it sounds like: a fine powder of sesame seeds). If I do not make sesame paste myself, then I tend to prefer Japanese varieties in both black and white forms. They are super-pasteurized and incredibly smooth. If you can’t find it and are too lazy to make it, you can use tahini instead. However, while the flavor is similar, tahini is never quite the same as the robust and delightful Japanese sesame pastes.