Pasteli – The Ancient Greek Energy Bar Recipe
Pasteli is a traditional ancient Greek energy bar made from toasted sesame seeds and honey, flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. This naturally sweet and chewy treat is easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious snack or quick energy boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (approximate 12 pieces) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasteli 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
- Toast the seeds: Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and shake the pan for about 3 minutes until the seeds are fragrant and lightly golden. Be attentive as seeds can burn easily.
- Heat the honey: Pour honey into a non-stick pan over high heat. Wait until it starts to bubble, then reduce the heat to low.
- Combine and stir: Add the toasted sesame seeds to the honey and stir continuously for about 7 minutes. For a softer Pasteli texture, remove from heat after 5 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Test the consistency: Use the cold water test by dropping a teaspoon of the mixture into cold water and shaping it into a small hard ball. If it holds, the mixture is ready; if not, continue cooking a bit longer.
- Shape the Pasteli: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, pour the mixture onto it, and cover with another parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the mixture evenly to about 1 cm thickness.
- Cut and cool: When the Pasteli is nearly cool, cut into squares. Let it cool completely and cut again if needed. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Toast seeds carefully to avoid burning as this imparts a bitter taste.
- Cook time influences texture; shorter cooking yields softer bars, longer cooking results in firmer bars.
- The water test is an effective way to check readiness without guesswork.
- Store Pasteli in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
- You can customize the recipe by adding mixed seeds and nuts for different flavors and textures.
Keywords: Pasteli, Greek energy bar, sesame seeds, honey snack, healthy snack, ancient Greek recipe
