Pasteli (Παστέλι) - energy bars, are one of the oldest recipes in the world, and today they are beloved sweets throughout Greece. This dessert is made with only two main ingredients - honey and sesame, perfectly balancing between health and sweet pleasure. Below you can find two simple recipes for making this delicacy at home.
The first records of pasteli come from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, where this sweet, then known as “itrion”, is mentioned as an energy snack that Greek warriors carried into battle.
Why have pasteli been special for so long?
Sesame is rich in healthy fats, proteins, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, while honey provides natural sugars that quickly replenish energy. Together, these ingredients contribute to freshness and endurance, supporting long-lasting strength and vitality.
Therefore, we can rightfully call this: the first energy bar in the world.
We can say that this recipe has not changed much over thousands of years, and when you enjoy pasteli, you are eating the same bar that people like Plato, Socrates, and Spartans ate.
Pasteli has also found its place in mythology, so this simple combination of honey and sesame symbolizes love, fertility, and strength. Honey represents the sweetness of love, while sesame symbolizes fertility and longevity. This tradition has long been part of Greek wedding rituals, where pasteli is given to the newlyweds for a happy and fruitful marriage.
Today, you can try pasteli almost everywhere in Greece - from local bakeries to souvenir shops on Greek islands and you can make it yourself with the help of very simple recipes that follow.
Do you want to taste a piece of history? Follow our recipe and make pasteli at home!
Recipe for Greek energy bars - pasteli - a healthy snack made of honey and sesame
Ingredients:
- 200g sesame seeds or a mix of sesame seeds and hazelnuts/almonds/walnuts
- 100g honey
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Preparation Instructions:
Preparing the ingredients: lightly toast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until golden-brown. You can also do this with other nuts to enhance the aroma.
Preparing the honey: heat the honey in a saucepan over medium heat until it becomes liquid and slightly thick (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to boil it, as it will lose its nutritional properties and natural aroma.
Combining: add sesame seeds and nuts to the saucepan with honey and mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Shaping: spread the mixture on parchment paper and flatten it to be about 1 cm thick. Once the mixture cools slightly, cut into rectangles or squares while still warm.
Cooling: let it cool completely, about 15 minutes, until firm. Then, serve and enjoy!
Tip: pasteli can be stored in an airtight container, outside the refrigerator, for several days - a perfect snack to take to work or on a walk!
Second recipe: energy bars - pasteli with a hint of lemon
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 1⁄3 cup pistachios (optional, chopped in halves)
- 1⁄2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1⁄4 cup sugar (optional, for a firmer texture)
Preparation Instructions:
Preparing the sesame seeds: lightly toast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until golden-brown and fragrant.
Preparing the honey: in a saucepan, heat the honey with lemon juice and sugar (if using), stirring until it becomes liquid. Be careful - honey can easily lose its nutrients if boiled.
Combining the ingredients: mix sesame seeds and pistachios into the warmed honey, and thoroughly combine the mixture.
Shaping: spread the mixture on parchment paper and flatten it to 1 cm thickness. While the mixture is still warm, cut the pasteli into rectangles or squares.
Cooling: let the pasteli cool for about 20-30 minutes. If you used sugar, it will set at room temperature and become firmer.
Tips: store them in an airtight container outside the refrigerator and enjoy a healthy snack rich in proteins and healthy fats!
Why try pasteli?
Pasteli is not only delicious, these are true energy bars, ideal for those looking for a healthy snack without many additives.
Rich in proteins, amino acids, and healthy oils, pasteli is a perfect example of how ancient nutrition can be in line with modern healthy habits.
Do you want to taste a piece of history? Follow our recipe and make pasteli at home!
If you have tried or made pasteli, share your experience and ‘secrets’ with us on social media.
