Pastels (Παστέλι) or Greek sesame bars are one of the oldest recipes in the world, and are still beloved sweets all across Greece. This dessert is made with just two main ingredients - honey and sesame, perfectly balancing health and sweet pleasure. And below you can find two simple recipes for making this delicacy at home.

The first records of pastels date back to Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, where this sweet treat, then known as “itrion,” is mentioned as an energy snack that Greek warriors carried into battle.

Why have pastels been so 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 hasn’t changed much over thousands of years, and when you enjoy a pastel, you are eating the same bar that people like Plato, Socrates, and Spartans enjoyed.

Pastels have also found their place in mythology, where 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 pastels are given to newlyweds for a happy and fruitful marriage.

Today, you can try pastels almost everywhere in Greece - from local bakeries to souvenir shops on Greek islands, and you can even make them at home with very simple recipes that follow.

Do you want to taste a piece of history? Follow our recipe and make pastels at home!

Recipe for Greek pastels - a Healthy Snack Made of Honey and Sesame

Ingredients:
200g sesame seeds or a mixture of sesame and hazelnuts/almonds/walnuts
100g honey
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Preparation Instructions:

Preparing the ingredients: lightly toast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until they turn 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 elements and natural aroma.

Combining: add the sesame seeds and nuts to the honey in the saucepan and mix everything well until all ingredients are combined.

Shaping: spread the mixture on baking paper and flatten it to be even and about 1 cm thick. When the mixture cools slightly, cut it into rectangles or squares with a knife while still warm.

Cooling: let it cool completely for about 15 minutes until it becomes firm. Then, serve and enjoy!

Tip: pastels 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 - Lemon-flavored Energy Bar

Ingredients:
1 cup of sesame seeds
1⁄3 cup of pistachios (optional, chopped in half)
1⁄2 cup of honey
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1⁄4 cup of sugar (optional, for a firmer texture)

Preparation Instructions:

Preparing the sesame seeds: lightly toast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden-brown and start to smell.

Preparing the honey: heat the honey with lemon juice and sugar (if using) in a saucepan, stirring until it becomes liquid. Be careful - honey can easily lose its nutrients if boiled.

Combining the ingredients: mix the sesame seeds and pistachios into the heated honey, and thoroughly combine the mixture.

Shaping: spread the mixture on baking paper and flatten it to 1 cm thick. While the mixture is still warm, cut the pastels into rectangles or squares with a knife.

Cooling: let the pastels cool for about 20-30 minutes. If you used sugar, they will cool 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 pastels?

Pastels are not only delicious, they are true energy bars, ideal for those looking for a healthy snack without many additives.

Rich in proteins, amino acids, and healthy oils, pastels are a perfect example of how ancient nutrition can align with modern healthy habits.

Do you want to taste a piece of history? Follow our recipe and make pastels at home!

If you have tried or made pastels, share your experience and “secrets” with us on social media.

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