Sesame

A clear, approachable guide to the world of sesame, from halva, tahini, and sesame oil, to togarashi, gomasio and furikake, with 80+ vegetarian-forward recipes, from the founder of popular tahini outfit Seed+Mill in New York’s historic Chelsea Market.

With its delicious nutty taste, nutritional density, and long shelf life, the sesame seed is a tiny ingredient with an enormous cultural impact and a deeply rich history.

In Sesame, Rachel Simons, co-founder of Seed + Mill, celebrates the evolution, history, and diversity of this classic ingredient. Whether it’s in the form of a seed, tahini (a ground sesame paste), sesame oil, or halva (a delicate, fudge-like candy made from sesame paste), readers will learn to incorporate sesame in 80+ traditional and modern global recipes, including Sweet & Salty Sesame Challah; Pear and Pistachio Breakfast Loaf with Sesame Streusel; Lemony Orecchiette with Sesame Pangrattato; Gomasio-Crusted Salmon Skewers; and Tahini Swirled Pavlova with Labneh, Berries & Halva Flakes.

Through vibrant photography, evocative storytelling, and contributions from a slate of noted chefs and food luminaries across the globe, including David Lebovitz, Molly Yeh, Nisha Vora, and Zoë François, Sesame is a loving culinary tribute to the sesame seed: how it has transformed dishes, how it has been translated by different culinary cultures, and how it has tied people and places together through generations.

Hardcover. 224 pages.

About the Author

Driven by her passion for food and travel, Rachel Simons traded her corporate law career for an entrepreneurial adventure - co-founding Seed + Mill, New York's first store devoted entirely to sesame products. Located in the iconic Chelsea Market, the business quickly captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike, evolving into a nationally celebrated brand. Today, their premium tahini and halva are cherished ingredients in the kitchens of world-renowned chefs and home cooks across America. Seed + Mill has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vogue, Food52, Bon Appétit, and more. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Rachel now lives in New York with her husband, Chris, two children, Oliver and Annika, and adored sausage dog, Buddy. Rachel has been obsessed with devouring and collecting cookbooks her entire life and is beyond excited to introduce her debut cookbook, Sesame, to the world!