Pasteli – Sesame-Honey Confection

4.39 from 13 votes
This ancient Greek recipe made with sesame seeds and Greek honey is a kind of soft brittle, called pasteli, and is still made throughout the Greek islands, namely in the Cyclades. This recipe is from the Aegean island of Tinos, where it is served as a wedding sweet but also enjoyed throughout the year as a local specialty. Pasteli is one of the most nutritious sweets in the world, filled with minerals and antioxidants. I like to call it the world’s first energy bar.
4.39 from 13 votes

Pasteli – Sesame-Honey Confection

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 12
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup Greek thyme honey
  • 3 cups sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Zest of 1 green or yellow lemon
  • Lemon leaves or pastry wrappers for serving optional

Instructions

  • Heat the sugar and honey in a wide saucepan until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Add the sesame seeds and stir to combine. Add the flour and zest and stir for a few minutes.
  • Dampen a wooden surface or sheet pan and spread the hot sesame-sugar mixture onto the pan. Using either a roller or a strong spatula, pat down the surface so that the mixture is evenly thick all over. Cut into diamonds and let cool. Serve on fresh lemon leaves or in pastry wrappers.

❤️ Enjoyed this Recipe?

Share this recipe on Facebook or Instagram!

Mention @dianekohcilas & tag #dianekochilas!

Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

Get Diane’s Latest Recipes and Longevity Secrets Delivered To Your Inbox.

Travel Cook Eat & Live with Diane

Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

Latest Recipes

More

Lemon Potato Smashers

Lemon Potato Smashers

Seafood Stew

Seafood Stew

Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

Lentil–Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach and Sage

Broccoli cauliflower salad

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Lemon-Dill Dressing

Get Diane’s Latest Recipes and Longevity Secrets Delivered To Your Inbox.

Longevity Recipes

More

Featured In

My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo

D|K