Discover the timeless charm of Pasteli, a traditional Greek sesame seed and honey bar that’s both deliciously simple and naturally nourishing. Made with just four ingredients—golden sesame seeds, rich honey, fragrant lemon zest, and a touch of olive oil for greasing—this no-fuss recipe brings wholesome flavors and textures to life. Toasted sesame seeds are folded into bubbling honey, creating a sweet, nutty base that’s spread and cut into perfectly chewy, nutrient-packed bars. Ready in just 25 minutes, Pasteli is a gluten-free snack or dessert that’s as healthy as it is satisfying. Perfect for quick energy on the go or a touch of Mediterranean indulgence anytime, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the honey and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the honey begins to bubble gently, about 3–4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, add the toasted sesame seeds to the saucepan, and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and the sesame seeds are fully coated in honey.
Grease a piece of parchment paper with olive oil and lay it flat on a heat-resistant surface. Carefully pour the hot sesame and honey mixture onto the paper and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, about 1/3-inch (1 cm) thick.
Allow the mixture to cool for 5–7 minutes, just until it is firm enough to handle but still pliable. Using a sharp knife, cut the pasteli into bars or squares of your desired size.
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature for about 1–2 hours until they harden.
Store the pasteli in an airtight container at room temperature, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Enjoy as a healthy snack or dessert!
Calories |
1912 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.9 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 51.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 104 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 188.8 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.6 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 164.8 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 851 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.