Quirky Foodster
  1. Back

Sesame Honey Cakes (Sesamis)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

15 minutes
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
8
Servings

Ingredients

  • Sesame seeds — 200 g (7.1 oz)
  • Honey — 150 g (5.3 oz)
  • Olive oil — 1 tbsp
  • Salt — a pinch

Method

  1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. In a separate small pan, warm the honey with the olive oil and salt until it becomes fluid.
  3. Stir the toasted sesame seeds into the honey and mix thoroughly.
  4. Pour the mixture onto an oiled tray or slab and spread to an even thickness.
  5. While still warm, cut into small bars or diamonds with an oiled knife.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Introduction: Crisp little cakes of toasted sesame seeds bound with honey, a favourite sweet at weddings and festivals.

Cultural Background: Sesamis, sesame seeds cooked in honey, were closely associated with weddings and fertility in ancient Greece, sesame being considered a symbol of abundance, and were also sold as street sweets in the agora.

Tips: Work quickly while the mixture is warm — it hardens fast and becomes difficult to cut once cool.

Variations: A few crushed toasted nuts can be added to the mixture for texture.

Nutrition: Approx. 180 kcal per piece.

FAQs:

Q: Why were these linked to weddings?

A: Sesame’s abundance of tiny seeds made it a natural symbol of fertility and plenty at Greek wedding celebrations.

Q: How should these be stored?

A: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature; they will soften if left uncovered.