Pasteli – Greek Sesame & Honey Candy!

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 12

Greek Pasteli - Sesame & Honey Candy recipe

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

5 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Very easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

200

Sugar

16g

Fat

10g

Pasteli is a traditional Greek candy made with two simple ingredients: sesame seeds and honey. It is a popular snack during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations. Pasteli has a crunchy texture from the toasted sesame seeds and a chewy texture from the honey. This candy is sweetened naturally with honey and has a unique nutty flavor. It is easy to make and can be customized by adding other nuts, such as chopped almonds or peanuts, to the recipe. Pasteli is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting some nutrients from sesame seeds and honey.

Instructions

1.	In a pan, heat 1 cup of sesame seeds over medium heat and toast them until golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, cool, and set aside.
2.	In another pan, add the 1 1/3 cups of honey, 1 strip of lemon peel, and a splash of rose water. Cook the mixture on low-medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 300°F. Be careful not to burn the honey. After the mixture has reached a temperature of 300°F, remove it from the heat.
3.	Add the toasted sesame seeds and the chopped almonds or peanuts to the honey mixture. Stir quickly until well combined.
4.	Pour the mixture onto a greased tray or a sheet of parchment paper. Use a spatula to flatten and even out the mixture.
5.	Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing it into your desired sizes and shapes. Wrap the individual Pasteli candies in parchment paper or plastic wrap until ready to serve.

PROS

Greek Pasteli is a sweet, nutty, and chewy candy that is easy to make and tastes delicious.
It is a great snack or dessert to have on hand when you need a quick burst of energy.
It also makes an excellent gift or party favor.

CONS

One of the downsides of Pasteli is that it is high in calories and sugar.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It is also a sticky candy that can get stuck in your teeth, so make sure to brush your teeth after eating it.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite its high sugar content, Pasteli has some health benefits. Sesame seeds contain essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. They are also high in fiber and protein. The honey in this recipe has antimicrobial properties and can alleviate symptoms of cough and cold. Almonds or peanuts are a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein that can promote heart health.

	1 1/3 cups honey
	3 cups of hulled white sesame seeds
	1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds or 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
	1 strip lemon peel
	rose water
	1 cup sesame seeds
	oil