Sesame sweet treats
These sweet sesame squares are like tiny energy bars, they are very satisfying and filling. From eastern Europe all the way to parts of Asia, there are different variations on this sesame candy. They are slightly nutty and ever so sweet with that lovely honey flavour. These sesame squares are based on the Greek pasteli, they go way back in history.
History
One version or another of pasteli or sesame candy goes back for a couple thousand years. It’s mentioned in multiple ancient writings, like Homer’s Illiad, where he writes about warriors eating it before a battle. And when you bite into one or your entire homemade batch, you definitely feel ready for battle. The sesame keeps you full and energized for a long time, and the honey gives you that instant sugar high. The combination leaves you feeling like you can take on the entire world. And the greeks weren’t the only ones that liked this combination, all over the middle east and even in Asia, there are adaptations on this sweet treat. Some crunchier and some chewier then this recipe, it is al a matter of preference. Personally, I prefer this very crunchy and only slightly chewy version.
Healthy sesame
Did you know that these tiny seeds are actually bursting with nutrients? With almost all the B vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium, you never have to feel tired again when you eat sesame seeds regularly. These tiny seeds are also a vegan source of calcium for stronger bones. And they contain zinc, which is important for healing and can even help reduce your acne. They truly are a nutritional powerhouse.
But unfortunately, they aren’t such a health food anymore when you eat them as sesame candy. Because although honey is also very good for you, sugar will never make it to the healthy food list.
Tips
I like to oil a baking sheet, that way I don’t have to use any baking parchment, and it works just as well. You just use a little baking brush to spread the oil onto the baking sheet. It’s an easy no waste way to make sure they don’t stick.
I trow the seeds in the boiling sugar mixture to let them brown a bit, but you can of course also toast them in an oven or in a skillet. I prefer to only have to wash this one pan, and it saves time too.
When pouring the sesame mixture onto your baking tray, you want to already spread it out a bit. This way it’s easier to roll it nice and thinly, the thinner you roll them, the easier they are to eat. But roll them out slightly thicker, and they are a bit chewier.
As this is made with boiling sugar do be extremely careful since it will cause 3rd-degree burns. This can be difficult since it smells divine, but resist the temptation to taste for you will definitely regret it.
Want more recipes made with honey:
Honey cake with cream cheese frosting
French toast overnight breakfast recipe
Or try making your own honey wine
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Sesame sweet treats
Ingredients
- 200 gr sesame seeds
- 125 gr caster sugar
- 75 gr honey
Instructions
- Oil a baking sheet and a rolling pin, or use baking parchment to prevent sticking.
- Melt sugar and honey together in a pan on medium to high heat, try to stir as little as possible to prevent crystallization.
- Once the sugar had melted, carefully pour in the sesame seeds. Then stir for 5 to 10 minutes, till they turn lightly brown and aromatic.
- Pour the sesame mixture out onto your baking sheet and spread it out as much as you can, then roll flat with a rolling pin. You can either oil said baking sheet and rolling pin or put one piece of baking parchment on the bottom of the baking sheet and one over the sesame mixture before rolling it flat.
- Let it cool slightly and cut it into squares, then let cool completely before storing them in a container.
