Definition: Till or Sesame seeds are used mostly in seed form in Indian cooking. They are usually first roasted gently or added to hot oil. This helps release their aroma and flavor into the dish. They are thought to possess 'heat giving' properties and are therefore consumed more in the cold, winter months when they are made into sesame toffee and laddoo (ball-shaped desserts) or added to curries. In Mughlai (rich, North Indian style of cooking) cooking, sesame is used in paste form to add thickness and richness to gravies. Sesame oil was the cooking oil of choice for many, before the use of peanut/ groundnut oil became common.
Pronunciation: th-ill
Also Known As: tilo, tila, raasi, ellu, Nuvvulu, gingli
Common Misspellings: thil
