Sesame seeds can be toasted or used raw in various dishes. Toasting enhances the nutty, crunchy flavor of sesame seeds. To toast sesame seeds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Toasted sesame seeds can be used to garnish salads, stir-fries, or soups. Raw sesame seeds can be ground into a paste called tahini, which is an essential ingredient in hummus and other Middle Eastern dishes. They can also be sprinkled on top of bread, crackers, and desserts. Sesame oil, extracted from sesame seeds, is used as a flavoring agent in many cuisines, especially Asian.