Pasteli (Greek Sesame Bars)

Sesame seed is the ultimate brain food and an excellent source of calcium. Enjoy its benefits with these traditional sesame bars from the Greek island of Sifnos.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 199 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 ⅓ cups toasted sesame seeds
• 1 (2x1-ft) sheet of parchment or wax paper, folded in half

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring honey to a boil in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring with wooden spoon. Add sesame seeds, lemon juice, cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander, tossing to combine until light and golden.

Step 2

Turn the dough onto a cookie sheet lined with half of the parchment or wax paper and fold the other half over the dough. Roll out dough between papers to a 1/4 inch thinness. Allow to cool.

Step 3

Using a ruler and a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough through the papers into bars or squares of your favorite size. To serve, peel papers off and enjoy your sesame bar!