The Magical Ingredients for a Wholesome Life From the Heart of my Home: Black Sesame Latte

This is a delicious, nutty, warming, comforting and protein rich drink made with black sesame seeds. This is also a caffeine free drink. To make it vegan use maple syrup and any plant based milk.

First thing to clear is that though the name is called latte, there is no caffeine in this drink. This is the Japanese kuro goma latte. The Korean version has a coffee in it. Though this is a caffeine free version, this is one of the most delicious ones to have any time of the day.

During my childhood days, whenever my grandma made a sweet, she would rinse the utensil in which she made the sweet with warm milk and give that to me. No food got wasted, and I got a tasty drink too. Sesame seeds sweetened powder (ellu podi) or ladoo/balls are made with roasted black sesame(they can be made with the hulled white ones) and jaggery and these are my favorites even now too. Like I said, my grandma would give the milk she used to rinse the utensil she made the sesame ladoo. That’s just delicious and I always remember the flavor! It is just unforgettable!

I was researching different Asian cuisines, and little did I know that my childhood favorite drink (which was not offered everyday), would be a tasty everyday drink in some other part of the world. Kuro Goma is black sesame seeds in Japanese. Sesame seed paste in sesame oil or sesame powder is mixed with honey or brown sugar, and mixed with hot milk for a delicious drink in the morning to begin the day. Since it is caffeine free it can be had at any time of the day.

Sesame seed is also rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This seed - hulled as well as the unhulled ones are used across the world in every regional cuisine. They can be made into sweet and savory recipes. In fact, it can be made into a spice powder to mix with rice or cooked grains to make a quick meal, Ellodharai, a traditional recipe of ours. It can be made into chutney, a sweet filling for kozhukattai (a steamed dumpling) or as filling for this delicious breakfast, Brown Sugar Sesame Braid.

In our tradition, sesame seeds are used more often in colder months as they give warmth. A steaming cup of this delicious sesame latte, for sure, is going to be one of the most warming and caffeine free drinks to have at any time of the day. It is also a nourishing one too. Christie is hosting an event in #ourfamilytable where we share warming drinks to keep us up in this cold winter. We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too! This is a special latte that warms you and my share for the event. In case you are looking for a warming winter drink, try this Turmeric Latte, Spiced Up Turmeric Milk, and Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa.

This drink is also not very hard to make. It is so easy that a kid can make it too. I have used sesame seed powder, so I bought them in the stores. They can be toasted and powdered at home too. Sesame seed paste is also available and that can be used too. I have used organic brown sugar, though honey or maple syrup can be used. Milk or any plant based milk can be used. A dollop of whipped cream is optional. My kids love with it. If the sesame seed paste or powder settles at the bottom, sere with a spoon to mix and then drink.