Greek Honey Sesame Bars

Recipe

Greek Honey Sesame Bars

Golden Delights: Greek Honey Sesame Bars

4.2 out of 5

Indulge in the sweet and nutty flavors of Greek cuisine with these delectable Honey Sesame Bars. A traditional treat known as Melekouni, these bars are made with a combination of honey, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices.

Jan Dec
Snack› Melekouni
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

2 hours 25 minutes

Yields

12 bars

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Allergens

Sesame seeds, Honey

Not suitable for

Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 15g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 0g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a dry skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. 2.
    In a large saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes thin and runny.
  3. 3.
    Add the toasted sesame seeds, ground cinnamon, and orange zest to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
  4. 4.
    Continue cooking the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
  5. 5.
    Remove the mixture from heat and transfer it to a greased baking dish or pan.
  6. 6.
    Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  7. 7.
    Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting.
  8. 8.
    Once set, cut the mixture into individual bars or squares.
  9. 9.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor. Make sure to keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.
  • Honey — Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor. If the honey is too thick, gently heat it to make it easier to mix with the sesame seeds.

Tips & Tricks

  • For added crunch, you can mix in some chopped almonds or pistachios with the sesame seeds.
  • If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the mixture.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Serving advice

Serve these Greek Honey Sesame Bars as a delightful snack with a cup of Greek coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or can be enjoyed on their own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bars on a serving platter and sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds on top for an attractive presentation. You can also drizzle a little extra honey over the bars for a touch of sweetness.

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