Black sesame soup

Black sesame soup is a cherished dessert in East Asian and Chinese cuisine, especially popular in countries such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. This warm, comforting treat, known as tong sui in Cantonese cuisine, offers a rich and thick consistency, making it perfect for a cozy day.

The core ingredients are simple yet flavorful: black sesame seeds, rice, water, and a touch of sugar to sweeten the mix. For an added twist, you can include tangyuan, which are chewy glutinous rice balls. If you're short on time, black sesame soup also comes in convenient powder form, available in many stores.

Making black sesame soup from scratch requires a bit of preparation but is definitely worth the effort. Start by soaking the rice and sesame seeds overnight. The next day, blend each ingredient separately with water until smooth, then combine and simmer with sugar until the mixture thickens to your liking. Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like caviar, millet, black rice, barley, corn, beans, or yams.

Nutritionally, black sesame soup is a powerhouse. It’s packed with essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium, along with vitamins B1 and E. It also contains beneficial compounds like phytic acid, phytosterols, and sesamin. While sesame seeds are calorie-dense, they offer significant nutritional value.

In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame soup is more than just a tasty dessert—it’s also valued for its health benefits. It’s believed to warm the body, replenish blood, aid digestion, and even nourish hair. People often turn to it for help with conditions such as anemia, constipation, dizziness, and tinnitus.

However, be mindful that some individuals are allergic to sesame seeds. This is particularly notable in places like Australia and the United Kingdom, where sesame seed allergies have been reported, often among those who are already allergic to other foods.

So, next time you're in the mood for something sweet and nourishing, why not try making a bowl of black sesame soup? It's a delightful way to enjoy a taste of East Asian tradition while reaping some health benefits.