Dive into the ancient flavors of Greece with this traditional recipe for Pasteli. These delightful honey sesame bars are sweet, chewy, and pack a nutritional punch, making them the ideal snack or dessert. Perfect with a cup of Greek coffee or as an energy booster throughout your day, Pasteli showcases the simplicity of combining quality ingredients for an impressive taste.
Ingredients
🌾 2 cups sesame seeds
🍯 1 cup quality thyme honey
🧂 1 pinch salt from a salt grinder
🍋 Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
1- Toast the Sesame Seeds:
- Place a non-stick pan on medium-high heat
- Add the sesame seeds to the dry, hot pan
- Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sesame seeds are golden brown
2- Mix with Honey:
- Remove the sesame seeds from the pan and transfer them to a mixing bowl
- In the same pan, add the honey and let it bubble
- Once bubbling, add the salt and the hot, toasted sesame seeds into the honey
3- Cook the Mixture:
- Stir the mixture over high heat for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens and emits a fragrant aroma
- If caramelizing too fast, temporarily remove from heat and continue stirring
4- Add Lemon Zest and Set:
- Take the pan off the heat and optionally, zest a lemon directly into the mixture and stir
- Prepare a round cake tin by lining it with parchment paper
- Quickly transfer the hot mixture into the prepared tin, pressing it down evenly with the parchment paper
5- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the Pasteli to cool and set for 15 minutes
- Once set, remove the Pasteli from the tin, peel off the parchment paper, and cut into desired shapes while still slightly warm
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 10-12 bars
Equipment:
- Non-stick pan
- Gas stove
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Zester
- Salt grinder
- Round cake tin
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
Cooking Tips
- Stir sesame seeds constantly to prevent burning.
- Ensure hot sesame seeds meet the honey for proper binding.
- Handle the hot mixture carefully to avoid burns.
- Cut while warm for easier portioning.
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Akis Petretzikis: https://www.youtube.com/@akispetretzikisen
#akispetretzikisen
Pasteli
