Greek Honey Sesame bars (Pasteli recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is pasteli made of? ›

Pasteli is actually a Greek sesame candy which is the ancient version of a power bar. A snack made with only two ingredients, honey and sesame seeds, with no addition of sugar.

Traditional soft Greek pastel from Kalamata is produced entirely with honey and sesame seeds. It is rich in taste and aroma and very nutritious. Pastel is very nutritious and especially rich in trace elements.

Something of an ancient Greek version of a power bar, pasteli has been made with the same two ingredients for millennia: honey and sesame seeds.

Sesame is an excellent source of protein, a good source of calcium and iron, contains the good fats and the most phytosterols among nuts and seeds. Phytosterols are substances that appear to lower cholesterol levels and may protect from cancer.

Yes, sesame seed bars, exemplified by Pasteli, can be a healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation. They deliver a satisfying blend of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making them a nutritious snack option. However, it's advisable to incorporate them into a balanced diet.

Her pasteli is packed with almonds, honey and dried fruit. Sesame makes up only 7 percent of the recipe, and the honey is not boiled. This one resembles a good energy bar and has a strong flavor of dried fruit.

"It's to make sure everyone enjoys the meal," she says. "It completes your meal because the dessert is considered another course." It rounds out the eating experience, and, as Loi points out, allows you to enjoy it from start to finish—meaning the Greeks really care about how you feel about their food.

Ancient Greek cuisine was characterized by its frugality and was founded on the "Mediterranean triad": wheat, olive oil, and wine, with meat being rarely eaten and fish being more common.

You may find it with different names: Sesame seed candy/ bar/crunch, sesame nougat or παστέλι in Greek and different textures, from chewy to crisp. Usually consists of sesame seeds, sugar or honey (but ours are made with sesame and honey, only) and sometimes contains various nuts.

Where did sesame bars come from? ›

With roots dating back 2,500 years ago to Greece, Pasteli were the “energy bars” of the first Olympians. Homer cited sesame snack bars in the “Iliad” as the food warriors consumed to meet the demands of battle.

These candies are good-to-go soothers for a picky eater who loves something sweet. Sesame doesn't need any introduction of course. These humble seeds are a great source of calcium and provide a great supply of antioxidants. They also boost energy and help in fighting infections.

Sesame seeds cause the fertilised ovum to be ejected by stimulating the uterine muscles. Sesame seeds should be avoided by all pregnant women throughout the first three to four months of pregnancy, according to experts.

A gastric obstruction called benign anastomotic stricture: Sesame seeds contain a lot of fiber. This might increase the risk of bowel obstruction in people with this condition. Surgery: Sesame might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery.

Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. Regularly eating substantial portions of these seeds — not just an occasional sprinkling on a burger bun — may aid blood sugar control, combat arthritis pain, and lower cholesterol.

They are made with a sticky rice flour dough, filled with a sweet paste, rolled in sesame seeds, and fried until crispy on the outside, but still soft and chewy on the inside. They're called zhīma qiú in Mandarin: 芝麻球.

They are a great nutritious source of fibre, plant protein and B vitamins. Sesame seeds are set in a crunchy sugar coating and drizzled with chocolate, so whenever you feel like you need a quick energy boost to get you through the day, just grab one.

Greece and Cyprus

Though the modern name pasteli is of Italian origin.

Tahini is a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds. Sometimes the seeds are roasted before being ground. A spoonful of Tahini is nutty, rich, and a little bitter with a silky mouthfeel. Sesame seeds, the main ingredient in Tahini, have a long history with humans.