Pasteli-Greek Sesame Candy is a traditional sweet treat, easy to make at home. With only two ingredients, honey and sesame seeds, it is a simple delicious recipe, that you can also customize to your liking.

If you love this Pasteli-Greek Sesame Candy, you will also love this Galaktoboureko-Phyllo Custard Dessert, Portokalopita-Orange Phyllo Cake or Greek Milk Pie!

Pasteli-sesame candy stacked on a table.

Why this recipe sings

It is healthy and delicious. Our pasteli has only two ingredients: sesame seeds and honey. Both contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals, making this snack a healthy sweet treat.
It is easy. It only takes a few minutes to make it!
It is versatile. Sesame candy is so easy to customize. Mix with black sesame, add crushed nuts and chopped dried fruits, and make it your own.

Here is what you need

A bowl with sesame seeds and a jar with honey on a table.

Sesame seeds. Traditional pasteli has blonde sesame seeds, but you can mix them with black sesame seeds if you like.
Honey. My favorite honey is always thyme honey from Crete. Feel free to use the honey of your preference.

How to make pasteli

Place a skillet over high heat.
Toast the sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the honey over medium heat-high heat. Bring to a boil.
Add the sesame seeds, lower the heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring with a wooden spoon.

A hand spreads on parchment paper pasteli-sesame candy with a spoon.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the baking sheet and spread evenly with the wet wooden spoon.

A hand rolling on parchment paper to make pasteli-sesame candy.

Cover the top with a second parchment paper and spread it evenly with a glass jar, pressing to gather and flatten its surface.

Let the pasteli cool for 30 minutes. Remove the top parchment paper, cut it into large rectangular pieces with a sharp chef’s knife, and serve. You can also use a pizza cutter. If the candy is very crispy, break it with your hands.

Pasteli sesame candy scattered on a table.

Pasteli Tips

For a crispy pasteli-sesame candy, mix half cup of sugar with the honey.
Add nuts and/or dried fruits such as raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts etc. to customize your pasteli.
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. Store your sesame candy in a cool place away from moisture and heat.

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Pasteli-Greek Sesame Candy

by Jenny | The Greek Foodie

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

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Resting time before serving 30

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Greek

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 158 kcal

Equipment

baking sheet

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup sesame seeds
▢ 1 cup honey

Instructions

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

Notes

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.

The nutritional analysis is only an estimate based on available ingredients and the recipe’s preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 124mgIron: 2mg

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