Unfortunately, the provided reference only discusses drying and toasting sesame seeds, not softening them. Sesame seeds don't generally require softening before use, as they are usually added to dishes in their raw or toasted state. However, depending on your intended use, there are ways to change their texture or form.
Here's a breakdown of potential approaches, assuming you're looking for a different texture than the standard dry, crunchy seed:
-
Grinding into a Paste (Tahini): The most common way to significantly alter the texture of sesame seeds is to grind them into a paste. This creates tahini, a key ingredient in hummus and other Middle Eastern dishes. You can achieve this using a food processor. Soaking the seeds beforehand may help, although it's not essential.
-
Toasting and Then Grinding: Toasting the seeds before grinding them into tahini will enhance their flavor.
-
Soaking (Potentially): If you intend to sprout sesame seeds, soaking them in water is a crucial first step. This isn't strictly softening, but it does change the texture in preparation for sprouting.
-
Using Sesame Oil: Sesame seeds can also be processed into sesame oil.
Essentially, there's no standard process for softening sesame seeds in the way you might soften dried beans or other legumes. The methods used depend entirely on the intended culinary application.
