Pasteli Recipe – Delicious Greek Sesame Candy Recipe
Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) is a chewy and naturally sweet treat that encapsulates the ancient flavors of the Mediterranean. This simple recipe requires just two main ingredients and offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Boiling, Cutting
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Candy:
- 1 cup white sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup Greek thyme honey (or other raw honey)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or almonds
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast, stirring constantly, for 5–7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Boil the Honey: In a small saucepan, bring the honey to a gentle boil. Cook for 5–6 minutes until thick and bubbling (240°F/115°C). Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Combine and Mix: Quickly and evenly stir the toasted sesame seeds into the hot honey. Add any optional ingredients at this stage.
- Spread the Mixture: Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined and lightly oiled surface. Cover with another parchment sheet and roll to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the mixture to set for 30 minutes. Slice into bars, squares, or diamonds. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
Notes
- Use good-quality Greek honey for an authentic flavor profile.
- Cook the honey less for chewier bars or longer for crunchier texture.
- For gifting, wrap the bars in wax paper and tie with twine for a charming presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
