Greek cuisine · Desserts & Sweets

Pasteli

Sesame seeds caramelized in honey, spread thin, and cut into crunchy bars once cooled.

Ingredients · for 8 servings

• 250 g sesame seeds
• 200 g honey
• 50 g sugar
• 1 organic lemon
• 50 g pistachios
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Have two sheets of parchment paper ready, lightly brush one with the olive oil, and roughly chop the pistachios.
2. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 4–5 min., stirring, until fragrant and light gold – they must not turn dark.
3. Bring the honey, sugar, salt, and a strip of zest from the organic lemon to a boil in a heavy pot, and simmer for 6–8 min., until the mixture turns amber and a drop hardens instantly in cold water.
4. Remove the lemon zest, stir in the hot sesame seeds, and mix vigorously for 1 min., until every seed is coated.
5. Transfer the mixture immediately onto the oiled paper, cover with the second sheet, and roll it out to 5 mm thick; peel off the top sheet and press the pistachios in firmly.
6. Let it set for 10 min., cut into bars with an oiled knife, and let it cool completely before wrapping each bar individually in paper.