Name: Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup white sesame seeds; 1/2 cup Greek thyme honey (or other raw honey); 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or almonds; Zest of 1/2 orange; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of sea salt

Today, I’m thrilled to share my all-time favorite treat: the Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy! Pasteli is chewy, delightfully nutty, and boasts the captivating honeyed sweetness you get only from this Mediterranean classic. With just two core ingredients and so many ways to personalize it, this traditional Greek snack is a beautiful marriage of simplicity and luscious flavor. So, whether you’re looking for a wholesome homemade nibble or a nostalgic taste of Greece, you’re about to fall head over heels for this candy’s unique charm.

Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy starts with absolute simplicity—just a couple of high-quality ingredients, each vital to its signature flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on quality here: authentic Greek honey and fresh sesame seeds will do most of the heavy lifting.

White sesame seeds: Toasted to perfection, these seeds bring the signature crunch and earthy flavor.
Greek thyme honey (or other raw honey): The backbone of the recipe, lending natural sweetness and luscious Mediterranean aroma.
Chopped pistachios or almonds (optional): Adds extra nuttiness and beautiful color flecks if you love a bit of variety.
Zest of 1/2 orange (optional): Bright citrus notes that elevate the flavor and add freshness.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Just a touch transforms the perfume and complexity.
Pinch of sea salt (optional): Rounds out the sweetness and highlights the flavors.

How to Make Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy

Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds

Begin by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add your sesame seeds and toast them, stirring continuously, for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice a nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen and the seeds will take on a lovely golden color—this is the key to a flavorful base. Be careful not to let them burn; their delicate taste can turn bitter quickly.

Step 2: Boil the Honey

Next, pour your rich Greek thyme honey into a small saucepan. Slowly bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep it bubbling for about 5 to 6 minutes, watching closely as it thickens and becomes fragrant. If you have a thermometer, aim for 240°F (115°C). This step determines whether your bars will be chewy or crunchy, so don’t wander off!

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Quickly add your perfectly toasted sesame seeds to the hot honey, stirring vigorously so every seed gets beautifully coated. If you’re going for optional extras—chopped nuts, orange zest, cinnamon, or sea salt—toss them in now for a fun twist on the classic Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy.

Step 4: Spread the Mixture

Immediately transfer the sesame-honey mixture onto a parchment-lined and lightly oiled surface. Lay another parchment sheet on top, then use a rolling pin to flatten it all to about a 1/4-inch thickness. This step is best done while the mixture is still hot and pliable so work quickly and confidently!

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Allow your pasteli to cool and firm up for at least 30 minutes. Once set, carefully peel away the parchment and slice your candy into bars, squares, or classic diamond shapes. Stack them in an airtight container, layered with parchment to prevent sticking, and get ready to wow everyone with your homemade Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy.

How to Serve Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy

Garnishes

While pasteli shines on its own, a scattering of flaky sea salt, a few more toasted nuts, or even a light dusting of zest can bring a touch of extra elegance. Adding a glossy drizzle of honey before serving also makes your bars glisten for a sweet finish.

Side Dishes

For a truly Greek experience, serve your pasteli alongside a platter of seasonal fresh fruit, a small dish of thick Greek yogurt, or a cup of robust Greek coffee. The creamy, tangy, or bitter sides help accentuate the sweet, nutty notes of your Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap each piece individually in wax paper and tie with a bit of twine for a charming, homemade gift. You can also place pasteli pieces in mini cupcake wrappers or tuck them into party favor boxes. Arranged on a wooden board with dried figs, nuts, and a few wedges of hard cheese, they make an irresistible addition to any dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pasteli keeps beautifully! Layer your bars with parchment paper inside an airtight container and store at room temperature. This will help keep them from sticking together and maintain their chewy (or crunchy) perfection for up to two weeks.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, pasteli actually freezes well. Simply wrap each piece in parchment or wax paper, slip them into a freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature—no reheating required.

Reheating

While pasteli is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, if your stash becomes a bit too hard or cold, you can warm a bar briefly (about 5-10 seconds) in the microwave to soften it up. Just don’t overdo it, or you risk melting the honey and losing the candy’s signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

While classic pasteli always uses honey for its unique flavor and binding power, you could experiment with maple syrup or agave, though the final taste and texture will be different. For that authentic Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy experience, Greek honey is unbeatable.

Why did my pasteli turn out too hard or too soft?

This depends on how long you boil the honey. For chewy bars, cook it a little less, and for crunchier candy, boil the honey a tad longer. Using a candy thermometer is especially helpful for precision.

Can I add other seeds or nuts?

Absolutely! Pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, or even pumpkin seeds are all fair game. Just keep the overall quantity similar so the mixture binds together well and retains a balanced flavor.

Is pasteli gluten free and dairy free?

Yes! The basic Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy contains only honey and sesame seeds, making it naturally gluten free, dairy free, and vegan (if using vegan honey).

How do I keep my pasteli from sticking together?

Allow the pasteli to fully cool and then separate each piece with parchment or wax paper before storing. Storing at room temperature in a dry place also helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

Nothing transports you straight to a sunlit Greek village quite like the Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy! With wholesome ingredients and an easy method, there’s every reason to whip up a batch and share this sweet tradition with people you love. Give it a try—you may just discover your new favorite homemade treat.