Grocery
Sweet Sesame Paste
What it is
Dulce de Ajonjolí is a rich, sweet paste made from ground sesame seeds and sugar. It has a dense, spreadable consistency and a distinct nutty flavor profile. The natural oils from the sesame seeds contribute to its smooth texture. This confection is often enjoyed as a simple treat or incorporated into various desserts.
How people cook with it
This sweet paste can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient to add sweetness and a nutty depth to baked goods and other dishes.
- Spread on toast
- Drizzled over pancakes
- Mixed into cookie dough
- Swirled into yogurt
Dulce de Ajonjolí is versatile in the kitchen. It can be spread directly onto bread, crackers, or fruit for a quick snack. For baking, it can be incorporated into cookie doughs, brownie batters, or cake recipes to impart a unique sesame flavor and sweetness. It also works well as a filling for pastries or as a topping for ice cream and other desserts. A small amount can be stirred into hot beverages for added richness.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike tahini, which is typically unsweetened and used in savory dishes, Dulce de Ajonjolí is intentionally sweetened, making it a dessert ingredient. Its texture is often smoother and more paste-like than some coarser sesame pastes.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking to add a unique sweet and nutty flavor to their creations will appreciate this ingredient.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its quality, store any unused Dulce de Ajonjolí in its original container or an airtight one. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not typically necessary, but if the paste separates, a gentle stir will recombine it.