Snack

Pasteli (Honey Sesame Bars)

Name: Pasteli (Honey Sesame Bars)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: 200 g sesame seed toasted; 100 g honey; 1 tsp lemon zest (optional); 0.5 tsp cinnamon ground (optional)

These traditional Greek sesame bars are naturally sweet and crunchy, made with just two main ingredients. They're perfect for a quick energy boost or a satisfying snack. This recipe yields a firm, chewy bar.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr 25 min
Serves: 8
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 182 kcal

VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain sesame. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

200 gsesame seed, toasted
100 ghoney
1 tsplemon zest(optional)
0.5 tspcinnamon, ground(optional)

Equipment

saucepan · rolling pin · parchment paper · wooden spoon · knife · baking dish

The method

Step by step

1
If your sesame seeds are not pre-toasted, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool slightly.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Watch the sesame seeds carefully as they can burn quickly.
2
Line a small baking dish or a cutting board (approximately 8x8 inches) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
About 1 min
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, lemon zest (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is fluid and just begins to bubble gently.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Do not let the honey boil vigorously, as this can make the pasteli too hard.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the toasted sesame seeds. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until all the sesame seeds are thoroughly coated in the honey mixture.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Work quickly as the mixture will start to cool and thicken.
5
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish or onto the parchment-lined cutting board. Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the mixture.
About 1 min
6
Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a flat glass, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to your desired thickness, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Pressing firmly is key for a compact bar that won't crumble.
7
Let the pasteli cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, until firm.
About 1 hr
8
Once firm, lift the pasteli out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Remove the top parchment paper and cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For cleaner cuts, lightly oil your knife blade.

Per serving

Nutrition

60%Score

Calories: 181.9kcal
Protein: 4.6g
Carbs: 16.2g
Fat: 12.5g
Fibre: 3.2g
Sugar: 10.4g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store pasteli in an airtight container at room temperature.