Pasteli, or honey and sesame bars, are probably the easiest greek dessert you can make. You can find these healthy treats all over Greece.
To make pasteli:
On medium heat, toast sesame seeds (and nuts if using) in a large frying pan for three minutes or until golden in color. Make sure to stir so they don't burn.
Once golden, pour the sesame seeds (and nuts if using) into a bowl and set aside.
Bring honey to a boil and cook for two to three minutes. Turn heat down just a bit.
Add warm sesame seeds (and nuts if using), a pinch of salt, and orange or lemon zest, stirring everything together. You can also add cinnamon at this point if you'd like.
Cook for two or three minutes longer, and watch for the mixture to become a rich golden color.
Pour mixture into a square or round 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20cm) pan lined with parchment paper.
Allow pasteli to cool for 15 - 20 minutes, or until it's warm. If you let it cool it too much, it will be difficult to cut.
Lift pasteli out with the ends of the parchment paper. Discard paper.
Cut into triangles, squares, or rectangles.
Store in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers.
See more dessert recipes here.
Enjoy!
Servings 0