Pasteli: Greek Honey-Sesame Bars
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
20 pieces.
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek, Vegan
Pasteli: Greek Honey-Sesame Bars
Description
Pasteli: Greek Honey-Sesame Bars combines toasted sesame seeds and honey cooked to a soft-crack stage, resulting in a brittle and chewy sweet treat. The toasting of sesame seeds adds a subtle toasted flavor while maintaining their characteristic crunch. The honey is heated until bubbling and reaches approximately 250°F, thickening it to the point where it binds the seeds into a firm bar once cooled. After combining and briefly heating the mixture, it is spread out between parchment sheets to set evenly. The bars provide a simple and wholesome energy boost with natural ingredients.
The texture balances between sticky honey and crunchy sesame, making these bars suitable as a snack or dessert accompaniment. The recipe requires attention to the honey’s cooking stage for the ideal consistency—testing the honey mixture in cold water ensures it will hold a ball shape, indicating readiness. Greasing the parchment sheets prevents sticking while cooling the mixture.
Pasteli can be broken into pieces once cooled and stored in an airtight container. It is a traditional Greek sweet often enjoyed throughout the day for natural sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
- 7 ounces sesame seeds about 1 ½ cup
- 7 ounces honey about ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds. You can spread them in a pan and put them in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or you can toast them in a pan. You want them to get a bit of color but not too brown.
- Pour the honey in medium sauce pan and heat the honey until it starts to bubble. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes. If you have a food thermometer, you boil until honey reaches a temperature of 250 F (125 C).
- Pour the toasted sesame seeds, lower the heat and stir. Making sure all ingredients are mixed well together. Heat the mixture for 2-3 minutes more (the more it cooks the crunchier it will be-but be careful of scorching). To check if it is ready, take a small amount and drop it in a glass with water, it should stay in a ball, if it spreads out it still needs to be heated.
- Line a pan with slightly greased (I spray or brush with olive oil) parchment paper and pour the sesame mixture, place another sheet of parchment paper on top (also greased) and spread out the sesame-honey mix with a rolling pin. I prefer to do this step directly on the table instead of using a pan, that way I can spread as thin as I like (mine are rolled out to ¼ inch thick).
- Remove the top sheet carefully and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Cut in small bars (I use a pizza cutter).
- Let them cool completely. Remove and store with parchment paper between them in airtight container.
Notes
- Measure ingredients by weight for accuracy and consistent texture.
- Toast sesame seeds until lightly golden, avoiding over-browning for best flavor and color.
- Grease parchment paper well to prevent sticking when spreading the honey-sesame mixture.
- Use the cold water test to check if the honey mixture has reached the correct temperature and consistency.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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