- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pound carrots, thinly sliced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Toast sesame, mustard, and cumin seeds together in a dry 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant and a shade or two darker, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in water, carrots, salt, cayenne, and 2 tablespoons oil and cook, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until carrots are very tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Purée mixture in a food processor with remaining 2 tablespoons oil until carrots are smooth (spices will still be a little coarse).