Nagaland Naga Black Sesame Chutney Roasted Dark Condiment

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp black sesame seeds (til) — dry-roasted until fragrant
• 2 fresh Naga chillies or 2 dried Naga chillies — roasted over flame
• 3 garlic cloves — roasted briefly
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water

Method

1. Dry-roast black sesame seeds in a dry pan on medium heat stirring continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until they become fragrant and pop slightly.
2. The seeds should not burn — they are already dark so colour change is not the indicator; the nutty aroma is.
3. Roast Naga chillies directly over a flame until blistered.
4. Roast garlic cloves until soft.
5. Cool briefly. Peel chillies and garlic.
6. In a mortar pound the roasted sesame seeds to a rough paste — the seeds release their oil and become creamy.
7. Add roasted chilli, garlic, salt, lemon juice and water.
8. Pound together to a coarse dark paste.
9. Taste — should be nutty, intensely fragrant, hot from Naga chilli and slightly sharp.