“AE-MONO” (dressed dishes) are cold side dishes of ingredients dressed in various seasonings.It is called by the name of the ingredient used as dressing ie. MISO-AE, GOMA (sesame)-AE, KARASHI (mustard)-AE, peanut-AE, etc.
They are great for seafood or any vegetable such as string beans, spinach, zucchini, ENOKI mushroom, sweet potato, okra, etc etc.
It is always nice to toast the sesame seeds and grind them for richer aroma and flavor. I always prepare double or triple the amount and store the remain in my freezer for future use. Just toss in any vegetable you have in your fridge and you get a tasty dish in no time! !
A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT JAPAN:
There are two ways to call a sesame dressed dish; “GOMA-AE” and “GOMA YOGOSHI”.
While “GOMA-AE” refers to a dish dressed with white sesame, it changes its name to “GOMA-YOGOSHI” when black sesame is used. “YOGOSHI” has the meaning of smear or smudge, and so it “GOMA-YOGOSHI” means it is smeared with sesame. How interesting!?
INGREDIENTS (serves 4):
1 bunch Broccoli
4 tbsp White or black ground sesame
1 tbsp Soy sauce
1 tbsp Sugar
1 tbsp Water or Dashi broth
DIRECTIONS:
- 1.Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces and cook in steamer for about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside and complete the cooking with remaining heat for greener results. (Or, you can always boil them too)
- 2.Combine ground sesame with soy sauce, sugar and water in a bowl, toss in broccoli and mix thoroughly.