Name: Pasteli – The Ancient Greek Energy Bar Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 200 g Honey (7 oz); 200 g Sesame seeds (7 oz) (or mixed with any seeds and nuts); 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 tsp Cinnamon; 1 pinch Salt

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Introduction

Pasteli is a traditional Greek energy bar made with honey and toasted sesame seeds. This simple, naturally sweet treat offers a perfect balance of crunch and chew, making it a wholesome snack for any time of day.

The image shows several rectangular sesame seed and sunflower seed brittle bars placed closely on a white marbled surface. The bars have a textured layer of shiny, golden-brown caramel that binds the light tan sesame seeds and pale sunflower seeds together. In the foreground, scattered pale sunflower seeds and creamy white sesame seeds create a natural border. To the right of the bars, a small wooden spoon filled with golden honey rests on a small pool of honey spreading slightly onto the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200 g Honey (7 oz)
200 g Sesame seeds (7 oz) (or mixed with any seeds and nuts)

1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Cinnamon

1 pinch Salt

Instructions

Step 1: Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir and shake the pan constantly until the seeds become fragrant and lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning.

Step 2: Pour the honey into a non-stick pan over high heat. When it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and add the toasted sesame seeds.
Step 3: Stir the mixture continuously for 7 minutes. For a softer texture, remove from heat after 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Test the mixture by dropping a teaspoon into cold water. If it forms a small hard ball, it is ready.
Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly and cover with another sheet. Roll out carefully with a rolling pin to about 1 cm thickness.
Step 7: Let cool until almost set, then cut into squares. Allow to cool completely before cutting again to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Store the Pasteli in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, mix in chopped nuts or a variety of seeds alongside the sesame.
If you prefer a softer Pasteli, reduce cooking time and use raw honey for a chewier texture.

The water test ensures you get the right hardness; don’t skip this step for best results.

Storage

Store Pasteli in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep well for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but if the texture hardens too much, a few minutes in a warm spot will soften it slightly.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a square snack bar with two visible layers: the top layer is a golden-brown color with many shiny sesame seeds tightly packed, giving a rough, textured look, while the bottom layer is darker brown with smaller, finer seeds or grains. The snack is held between a woman's thumb and forefinger in the foreground, with more similar pieces stacked blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. A wooden spoon holding a small amount of golden brown syrup rests near the snacks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other seeds or nuts instead of sesame?

Yes, you can substitute or mix sesame seeds with other nuts and seeds like sunflower, pumpkin seeds, or chopped almonds for different flavors and textures.

How do I know when the honey and seeds mixture is done?

The water test is the best method: drop a teaspoon of the mixture into cold water and check if it forms a small hard ball. This indicates the right consistency for cutting and setting.