Gomasio is a perfect winter food because it contains two ingredients that resonate very much with the Water element and the Kidneys. And those are the only ingredients!
This light, flavorful condiment that originated in Japan is its own little Chinese herbal formula, as both seaweed and sesame seeds are found in the Chinese Material Medica. It is a lovely way to tonify the Kidneys during the cold winter months.
Seaweed is high in mineral content and has a salty flavor. Salty is the flavor associated with the water element, winter and the Kidneys and Bladder. Sesame seeds, especially black sesame seeds are a kidney, blood and yin tonic.
Sprinkle gomasio over soups, salads, rice or vegetable dishes for a subtle nutty, salty flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce wakame or dulse (or you can use a combination of the two)
- ½ cup sesame seeds, white or black
For wakame: roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. You will know it’s done when the seaweed is dark and crispy.
For dulse: dry roast in a stove-top skillet until crispy.
Grind seaweed to a powder with mortar and pestle.
Dry roast sesame seeds in a stove-top skillet on low to medium heat, stirring gently until the seeds begin to pop and give off a nutty aroma.
Add sesame seeds to the seaweed powder and grind until seeds are mostly crushed.
You can store gomasio in a tightly sealed jar and it will last a long time, or keep it in a bowl on the table to add to your meals.
