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5.0 from 15 votes

Pasteli-Greek Sesame Candy

Pasteli-Greek Sesame Candy is a traditional sweet treat, easy to make at home with only two ingredients, honey and sesame seeds.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 158 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • 1 cup honey

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place a skillet over high heat.
  2. Toast the sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the honey over medium heat-high heat. Bring to a boil.
  4. Add the sesame seeds, lower the heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring with a wooden spoon.
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the baking sheet and spread evenly with the wet wooden spoon.
  6. Cover the top with a second parchment paper and spread it evenly with a glass jar, pressing to gather and flatten its surface.
  7. Let pasteli cool for 30 minutes. With a sharp chef's knife, cut the pasteli into large rectangular pieces and serve.

Notes

  • To customize your pasteli, add nuts and/or dried fruits such as raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts, etc.
  • ⅕
  • Add lemon or orange zest while mixing the sesame candy.
  • Spice up the honey while heating it with a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, or star anise. Remove before adding the sesame seeds.
  • You don't need to refrigerate pasteli, it does well at room temperature.
  • Store pasteli sesame candy in a cool place away from moisture and heat.
  •  
  • The nutritional analysis is only an estimate based on available ingredients and the recipe’s preparation. 
  •  
  • For crispy pasteli, add a half cup of sugar to the honey.
  • To customize your pasteli, add nuts and/or dried fruits such as raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts, etc.
  • You can also customize how thick you like your pasteli. I prefer mine thin and crispy so I spread it on a large baking sheet. You can use a smaller sheet or skip it and spread the candy only on the parchment paper. Pasteli can be as thick as 5mm / about ⅕″.
  • Add lemon or orange zest while mixing the sesame candy.
  • Spice up the honey while heating it with a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, or star anise. Remove before adding the sesame seeds.
  • You don't need to refrigerate pasteli, it does well at room temperature.
  • Store pasteli sesame candy in a cool place away from moisture and heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories 158kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Sodium 3mg (0%) Potassium 73mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 23g (46%) Vitamin A 1IU (0%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 124mg (12%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 158

% Daily Value*

Calories 158kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Potassium 73mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 23g 46%
Vitamin A 1IU 0%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 124mg 12%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.