Greek Sesame Honey Candy (Pasteli)
Something of an ancient Greek version of a power bar, pasteli has been made with the same two ingredients for millennia: honey and sesame seeds.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 20 persons
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓cups honey
- 3cups white sesame seeds (hulled)
- Optional: 1 strip lemon peel (about 1/4 x 1 inch)
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Bring the honey and lemon peel (if using) to a boil in a saucepan. Add the sesame seeds, stirring continuously. Continue to cook while stirring to mix completely and thoroughly.Step 3
When the seeds are fully mixed in and the mixture has boiled again, remove the pan from the heat. Remove the lemon peel and discard it.Step 4
Place a piece of baking parchment on a cool work surface and spread out the hot mixture thinly and evenly (about 1/4-inch deep).Step 5
Cool the pasteli to room temperature before refrigerating it on the parchment paper (it doesn't need to be covered). Chill for at least 2 to 3 hours.Step 6
Using kitchen shears , cut the pasteli together with parchment paper into small pieces, and serve.Step 7
Peel off the parchment paper to eat. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can enjoy pasteli as a natural energy bar. Sesame seeds are high in protein, but also contain healthy oils and antioxidants. If you've become dependent on store-bought energy bars, these will have no additives, and you can ensure they are gluten free if that is a concern. One variation you might try is adding some crushed nuts to the mixture, such as pistachios. Or lightly toast some of the sesame seeds to add a roasted flavor.