Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth paired with a love for simple, wholesome ingredients, you are going to be absolutely smitten with this Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe. This traditional Greek treat brings together nutty toasted sesame seeds and luscious honey, creating a perfect chewy-crisp snack that’s irresistibly fragrant and delightfully wholesome. It’s a candy that feels like a little history wrapped in golden sweetness, perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a bite when you need a quick mood boost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just three basic but essential ingredients, this recipe is beautifully straightforward. Each component plays a key role: the sesame seeds add a hearty crunch and nutty depth, the honey brings natural sweetness and stickiness to bind everything, and a touch of olive oil ensures your candy won’t stick to the pan during assembly.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Use this to lightly grease your parchment; it prevents sticking without altering the flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups untoasted sesame seeds: Toasting these brings out their deep, nutty aroma and crunch.
• 3/4 cup honey: This binds the candy and adds a rich, floral sweetness that’s signature to pasteli.

How to Make Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a small sheet pan with parchment paper. Brush a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil over the parchment—it’s a small step that makes removing your candy much easier later on. Set this aside as you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Toast the Sesame Seeds

Heat a nonstick pan over medium and add your sesame seeds. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon. As they toast, the seeds will release their oils and slowly turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with a toasty, nutty aroma. Once toasted to perfection, transfer them to a plate to cool.

Step 3: Warm the Honey

Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the honey. Stir regularly as it warms and begins to bubble. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for about 250°F. Let it boil and foam for about 3 to 4 minutes, which helps intensify the flavor and create the perfect texture for your pasteli.

Step 4: Combine Sesame and Honey

Add the toasted sesame seeds back into the bubbling honey. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes to ensure even coating. Keep an eye on the heat to make sure the mixture doesn’t burn—it should be thick and glossy with every seed well coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasteli

Immediately pour the sticky mixture onto your prepared sheet pan. Using a spoon, spread it as evenly as possible. Then grease another piece of parchment paper and place it on top of the mixture. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently press and even out the thickness. Remove the top parchment paper for the next step.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your candy cool for about 20 minutes; it should be firm but not entirely hard—this allows for clean slicing. Using a sharp knife, cut into small rectangular bars or squares. And just like that, your classic Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe

Garnishes

While pasteli is delicious on its own, you can add a touch of flair by sprinkling a few crushed pistachios or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before it cools. These little garnishes add extra texture and a wonderful pop of flavor that elevates your candy to a gourmet snack.

Side Dishes

Pasteli pairs beautifully with a small cup of strong Greek coffee or herbal tea. The candy’s natural sweetness cuts through the bitterness of coffee, making it an ideal accompaniment for a relaxing afternoon treat or an after-dinner nibble.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap small bars individually in wax paper or parchment for gifting or party favors. You can also stack them in a decorative jar or in a basket lined with linen for a rustic touch. Presentation matters and adds to the joy of sharing this simple but lovely Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pasteli, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks, making it convenient to enjoy whenever a sweet snack craving strikes.

Freezing

Freeze pasteli by wrapping each piece tightly in parchment or wax paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months frozen. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t typically necessary, but if you want to soften pasteli slightly, warm it gently in a low oven or microwave for just a few seconds. Be careful not to melt it entirely—you want to maintain that perfect chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use toasted sesame seeds instead of untoasted in this recipe?

Yes, you can, but toasting them fresh during the recipe enhances their flavor the most. Starting with untoasted seeds gives you better control over achieving that perfect golden color and aroma.

Is it possible to substitute honey with another sweetener?

Honey is traditional and gives pasteli its signature taste and texture. Substituting maple syrup or agave nectar might change the flavor and firmness, so it’s best to stick with honey for authentic results.

How thick should I spread the mixture on the pan?

A thickness of about 1/4 inch is ideal. It ensures a good balance between crispiness and chewiness without becoming too brittle or too soft.

Can I add flavorings like cinnamon or orange zest to the pasteli?

Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of orange zest can add a lovely twist. Just mix them into the honey before combining with the seeds to disperse flavor evenly.

Will pasteli stick to my hands when I roll it out?

If you grease your hands or rolling pin lightly with olive oil, it will be much easier to handle. You want no stickiness but a smooth finish when flattening the candy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making and sharing the Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe. It’s such a simple recipe that yields a snack bursting with character, history, and flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll end up with a batch of golden, crunchy-sweet bars that everyone will love. Trust me, once you make pasteli, it just might become your new favorite treat!

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