Gomashio (Toasted Sesame Salt) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups unhulled brown sesame seeds
3 tablespoons sea salt (the traditional ratio is 15 parts sesame seeds to 1 part sea salt, but you could use 12 to 1 or some)

Preparation

In a heavy skillet (cast iron is best), toast salt until it turns a grey color. Set aside.
Toast the 2 cups sesame seeds, stirring constantly, till they start popping and turn a nice brown.
Watch them closely, or they will burn!
The traditional way to grind them is with a mortar and pestle,just until the seeds crack open and release their oils.
The texture should be light and sandy.
They should ultimately be 95% crushed.
Because I do not currently own a mortar and pestle, I have put them in the blender and whiz them a few times till blended thoroughly. Update: now I use a coffee grinder or a food processor to grind.
Store gomasio in a tightly closed glass jar, keep in a cool dry place.
DO NOT REFRIGERATE! (Update: after 6 months I did refrigerate and it's still good!).
I have kept this for over 6 months without spoiling.
This is delicious over brown rice, salad, baked potatoes, veggies, almost anything!
Enjoy!