Pasteli {Greek Sesame, Nuts & Honey Bars}
Author: 
Recipe type: Snacks, Dessert
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 18-20 bars
 
Pasteli, the sweet and moreish sesame seed and honey bars dotted with roasted nuts is so easy to make at home. Enjoy these bars of goodness whenever you fancy a snack or a boost of energy. They make excellent Holiday edible gifts too!
You will need:
  • Sesame seeds - 1 cup (I used white sesame seeds)
  • Nuts - ⅔ cup, roughly chopped (I used almonds and cashew nuts)
  • Salt - a pinch
  • Honey - ½ cup
  • Demerara or granulated sugar - ¼ cup
How to:
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
  2. Toast the sesame seeds in a large skillet over low heat. Keep stirring and toast till seeds are lightly aromatic. Do not burn them. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add nuts to the skillet, sprinkle salt and roast till lightly browned. Alternately, this can be done in a 350 deg.F oven for 7-8 minutes. Cool slightly, chop the nuts roughly and set aside.
  4. Take the honey and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat till sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture starts to boil gently. Simmer for 4-5 minutes to thicken it slightly.
  5. Tip in the sesame seeds and nuts and mix with a spatula to combine thoroughly.
  6. Once all the honey is absorbed, tip the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Spread the mixture to ¼" thickness with an oiled spatula. Alternately, you can cover the mixture with another sheet of wax paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it.
  7. Cool for 5 minutes and cut into 1"x3" bars with an oiled knife while still warm. Once completely cooled, separate the individual bars and wrap in strips of parchment or wax paper, to keep from sticking.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes:
1. You can use black sesame seeds as well in this recipe.
2. You can use your favorite nuts or other seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds in this recipe.
Recipe by At The Corner of Happy And Harried at https://www.happyandharried.com/2016/11/11/pasteli-greek-sesame-nuts-honey-bars/