While reading the March issue of Martha Stewart Living, we came across a recipe for basic steamed edamame (familiar) sprinkled with gomashio (not so much). What is this crunchy condiment? We've also seen a container of it in this Kitchen Tour: Zachary and Family. But it's easy to make your own.

In fact, Faith posted a recipe a couple of years ago:

• D.I.Y. Sesame Salt

Gomashio is simply toasted sesame seeds ground up with some coarse salt. You can make it in a spice grinder, which would be the easiest way, but we think a mortar and pestle or a food processor would work fine, too.

Most gomashio recipes we've seen use white sesame seeds, but you could also use black- which might look cool scattered over a salad or these cold peanut sesame noodles. It would also make a good coating for a piece of fish or meat.

Here's the recipe pictured above:
• Edamame with Sesame Salt, from Martha Stewart Living

Does anyone make their own gomashio? How do you use it?

Related: Ingredient Spotlight: Sesame Seeds

(Images: James Merrell for Martha Stewart Living; Dana Velden)