Black Sesame & Walnut Paste

Why people make this paste

Bone density loss is something that quietly accelerates with age — and for women after menopause, that process speeds up considerably. Chinese food therapy has long valued black sesame seeds for their remarkable mineral content: calcium, phosphorus, and iron, along with vitamins A, D, and E, make them one of the most nutritionally dense plant foods in the traditional diet. Walnuts bring their own set of benefits: in Chinese medicine, their kidney-strengthening reputation is backed up by a surprisingly good mineral profile, including calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which are exactly the minerals that maintain bone density and slow age-related bone loss. Together, ground into a warm, silky paste, these two ingredients make a dessert that is genuinely pleasurable and quietly supportive of long-term bone health.

Method

1. Pick through the black sesame seeds to remove any debris. Toast them in a dry (ungreased) pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just beginning to pop. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.
2. Toast the walnut kernels in the same dry pan until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.
3. Place the cooled sesame seeds and walnuts in a blender or food processor. Add a little water and blend to a fine paste. Add more water gradually until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
4. Pour the blended mixture into a pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
5. Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water until smooth. While stirring the paste, pour in the cornstarch mixture gradually until the paste reaches your preferred thickness.
6. Add white sugar to taste and stir through. If using milk, add it now and stir well.
7. Serve warm in bowls.

Nourilo’s Tips

The toasting step is non-negotiable — both the sesame seeds and walnuts taste significantly better when properly roasted. The transformation is remarkable: raw sesame has almost no flavour, but toasted sesame is one of the most fragrant things in the kitchen. Adding a splash of fresh milk at the end makes the paste extra smooth and silky. Beyond being a lovely autumn and winter dessert, this paste genuinely supports skin moisture — so it is worth considering as a regular treat in dry or cold seasons. For best results, eat it a few times a week over a sustained period rather than once and forgetting about it.