Greek Sesame Candy (Pasteli) Recipe
Greek Sesame Candy, known as Pasteli, is a traditional sweet treat made from toasted sesame seeds and honey. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds with the rich, caramelized sweetness of honey to create a chewy, natural candy that is perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- 1 1/2 cups untoasted sesame seeds
- 3/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Get ready. Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper. Brush the parchment with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Toast the sesame seeds. Place the sesame seeds in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the seeds turn a golden brown color, enhancing their nutty flavor. Transfer the toasted seeds to a plate to cool.
- Warm the honey. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the honey. Stir regularly as the honey heats and begins to boil, reaching around 250°F if using a thermometer. Let it boil and foam for about 3 to 4 minutes to slightly caramelize.
- Combine the sesame and honey. Add the toasted sesame seeds back into the boiling honey. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning, until the mixture is well combined and thickened.
- Assemble the candy. Pour the sesame and honey mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. Use a spoon to spread it as evenly as possible. Then, grease another piece of parchment paper and place it on top of the mixture. Press down with your hands or a small rolling pin to spread and flatten the candy evenly. Remove and discard the top parchment paper.
- Cool and slice. Allow the candy to cool for about 20 minutes until it firms up but is not fully hard. Using a sharp knife, slice the candy into small rectangular bars or squares suitable for serving.
Notes
- Make sure to toast the sesame seeds evenly to bring out their flavor without burning them.
- If the honey mixture gets too thick, lower the heat to prevent burning while stirring.
- Spreading the mixture between two parchment papers helps achieve an even thickness and prevents sticking.
- Store the candy in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
- This recipe yields about 20 servings depending on the size of the cut pieces.
Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/greek-sesame-candy-pasteli-recipe/
