Every so often, I get reader requests that go like this, “ Can the Ninja <model> do <fill in the blank>?
As it turns out, most times, no matter the model or the question, the answer is, “yes!”
For today’s little experiment, reader Veronica asked if the Ninja Pulse can grind sesame seeds. After a little back-and-forth dialogue to determine how she wanted to use the seeds, I find out she was looking for a flour-like consistency, which is what I’ll show here.
Veronica specifically mentioned black sesame seeds, so I ordered up a batch on Amazon and went to work.
The tutorial here is relatively simple. If you have any of the Ninja models with a single serve cup, it will work, but I do like to do tests in the Pulse because if it works in the Pulse, it’ll work in any of the models. It is important to use the single serve cup for this project, because the blades in the larger jars just will not give you a very fine grind, as I demonstrated in this post about grinding coffee beans.
How to Grind Sesame Seeds in a Ninja Blender
1. Toast the seeds. Veronica’s instructions indicated that the raw seeds needed to be toasted, so I toasted them lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. It doesn’t take long to toast sesame seeds; They are done when they start to become fragrant. This helps the seeds blend very nicely as well, because the natural oils come alive (same applies to any raw nut when grinding into flour or nut butter).
I used a little less than 1/4 cup of seeds, because I don’t need a big batch, but you could use anywhere from 1/4 cup to a full cup. This was originally a full 1/4 cup, but I lost some upon transfer from the pan! Okay, I lost quite a bit…
2. Put toasted seeds into your single serve cup. You do not need any oil if you just want to make sesame seed meal.
3. Pulse evenly for 20-30 seconds until you get a consistency you like. If you keep pulsing for longer, you’ll end up with tahini. You can see in this next picture that there is a ring in the cup with seeds stuck to it near the top – that is really close to nut butter texture, so I pulsed a little too long.
4. You’re done! About 1/4 cup of seeds yielded a bit more than 1/4 cup of flour-like sesame meal.
As for how to use it, I have been sprinkling a little on my daily big salad, and it very yummy, almost like a more savory black pepper. You could also make glutinous rice flour balls, which was what Victoria had in mind when asking this question.
And there you have it. In all this, project took about 5 minutes, including toasting the seeds.
Have a question about how to make something in your Ninja Blender? I’m always open for reader requests, so, don’t hesitate to ask!
View Comments (4)
Hi there…great post on the sesame seeds. I have a Pulse as well and would like to make Muslim Bean Pie. This is traditionally made with navy beans. Tried this 3 years ago with canned beans but was unable to strain out the skins as this should end with a smooth consistency. I was thinking navy bean flour. Can this grind fresh navy beans down to a flour or powder consistency or mash the canned ones to a totally smooth, skin free consistency? Please help. I’m in Florida and you can’t get those pies here…grew up on them in NYC. Please help. Thanks
Hi Angel,
Muslim Bean Pie is something new to me so I had to look it up – this sounds amazing!
I’m fairly confident the Pulse can make navy bean flour in the single serve cup, just like with the sesame seeds or coffee beans, but it wouldn’t make much at one time due to the size of the cup. The larger jar may do it as well, I will try it out and report back. I’ll also try the puree option to see what happens– but I think the skins will be the issue like you mentioned. I’m wondering what would happen if you make the prepared beans from dried and used this method to peel the skins before pureeing.
It seems like the bean puree would be better than the bean flour for this purpose, so we’ll see what I can come up with for you for next week.
Hi Angela!
Thank you SO much!! I was actually searching for your report in the coffee bean post where I sent my request since Tuesday. Today is already Thursday (In Australia, we are like a day ahead of you!) and I kept going back to your coffee bean post until I suddenly realise you must have done it in a proper post; so I clicked “home” and voila!! Thank you so much, Angela!! I’m gonna get the pulse IMMEDIATELY, lol! Except in Australia it costs A$199.00! (Aussie dollar more or less 1:1 to American dollar) but they throw in a non-stick steak pan, a Swiss knife set and some organic make up and a 30 day free trial – not a bad deal at all!! Happy Ninja pulsing!! zzzzz! zzzz! zzz!
Hi Veronica,
I’m glad to help, happy Pulsing! I can’t believe the crazy package of goodies you get when buying one in Australia! I don’t get the combination of items (especially the make up – ha!), but, it does sound like a good deal!
Good luck with your rice balls!
Angela