Pasteli: Sesame & Honey Brittle

Step 1

Pour 1.5 cups sesame seeds into a 10-inch skillet with no oil. Set heat to medium and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 4–5 minutes, until the seeds turn golden-brown and smell richly nutty.

Step 2

Pour 0.75 cup honey into the hot skillet with the sesame seeds and immediately stir with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom constantly so nothing sticks, for 90 seconds.

Step 3

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 0.25 teaspoon salt to the honey and sesame mixture; stir vigorously for 30 seconds until the oil is fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy and uniform.

Step 4

Pour the hot sesame mixture onto a parchment-lined 8-by-10-inch baking sheet in a single, even layer. Use the back of an oiled spoon to spread and gently press the mixture until it is about 0.25 inch thick.

Step 5

Let the pasteli cool at room temperature for 5–7 minutes until it firms up and feels hard to the touch, then break it into rough 2-inch pieces with your hands.