Pasteli

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.

#pasteli #greekcuisine #honeysesamebars #traditionalsnack #energybar

Akis Petretzikis: https://www.youtube.com/@akispetretzikisen

#akispetretzikisen

Pasteli