Transport your taste buds to West Africa with these irresistible Sesame Seed and Honey Sticks from Mali, known locally as "Meni Meniyong." This traditional recipe combines the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a delightful treat thatβs as crunchy as it is satisfying. Gently caramelized with sugar, a hint of lemon juice, and just a touch of water, this easy-to-make snack showcases the simplicity of wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a thoughtful homemade gift, these sesame sticks are naturally gluten-free and require just 25 minutes from start to finish. Serve them alongside tea, or enjoy their delightful crunch on their own. Prepare to fall in love with this timeless delicacy from Mali!
Begin by toasting the sesame seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, or until the seeds are fragrant and golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and let them cool.
In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture over low heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it cook without stirring for about 5β7 minutes, or until it reaches a light caramel color. You can test its readiness by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a firm ball.
Remove the caramel mixture from the heat immediately and stir in the toasted sesame seeds until they are evenly coated.
Lightly grease a flat surface (such as a baking sheet or a cutting board) with neutral cooking oil. Pour the sesame and caramel mixture onto the surface and use a greased spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer.
While the mixture is still warm, use a sharp knife to score it into stick-shaped pieces of your desired size. Allow the mixture to cool completely and harden.
Once cooled, break apart the sticks along the scored lines and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Calories |
1873 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.3 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 51.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 101 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 173.3 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.2 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 150.1 g | ||
| Protein | 41.4 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 810 mg | 17% | |
*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.