Walnut and Black Sesame Paste

Why people make this paste

Walnuts are rich in phospholipids — exactly the kind of fat the brain craves — which is why the kernel is nicknamed a “brain food,” and why children can use it often in cooking. Black sesame is a fine, strengthening food traditionally valued for nourishing the blood, moistening the bowels, generating fluids and supporting the hair. Put the two together and you get a warm dessert paste traditionally taken to support memory, ease early greying, and soften a dry stool.

Method

1. Chop the walnut kernels; dry-roast the black sesame until fragrant; soak the rice in clean water until soft.
2. Put all ingredients in a blender with 1.2 L of water and blend to a paste.
3. Pour into a pot and cook, stirring, until it comes to a boil and thickens to your liking.
4. Add brown sugar, stir until dissolved, and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

If you swap the white rice for black or red brown rice, it is even more nourishing. This sweet paste also suits the frail elderly with constipation, those with nervous exhaustion, and people with heart concerns. For a child, you need not peel the walnut, but do chop and lightly roast it.