Sesame Brittle — honey-set sesame brittle
Sesame brittle is a thin, snapping slab of sesame seeds set in honey-and-sugar syrup, cut into small squares. The Levantine version (simsmiyeh), the Indian til chikki, and the Greek pastelli are all sister recipes.
i. Origin & history
Sesame brittle is one of the oldest documented sweets — versions appear in Ancient Greek texts and in medieval Arabic cookbooks. Its appeal is unchanged in thousands of years: nuts, honey, sugar, and a knife.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 30 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 250 g white sesame seeds
- 200 g honey
- 100 g caster sugar
- 30 g unsalted butter
- Pinch salt
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange-blossom water (Levantine version) OR pinch cardamom (Indian version)
iii. Method
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring, until golden and fragrant — 4 minutes. Set aside.
- Combine honey, sugar, butter and salt in a heavy pan. Bring to 150 °C / 300 °F on a sugar thermometer (hard-crack stage) — about 8 minutes.
- Off heat, stir in toasted sesame, lemon juice and orange-blossom water (or cardamom).
- Pour onto a parchment-lined tray; spread thin with an oiled spatula or roll thin between two sheets of parchment.
- Cool 10 minutes until just-set. Score into 4 cm squares while still warm. Cool fully before snapping along the score lines.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Greek pastelli often uses only honey. Indian til chikki uses jaggery for a darker, deeper flavour. Sesame-pistachio versions add chopped pistachios.
vi. Common questions
What is sesame brittle?
Sesame Brittle is honey-set sesame brittle, from middle eastern cuisine. The Levantine version (simsmiyeh), the Indian til chikki, and the Greek pastelli are all sister recipes
Where is sesame brittle from?
Sesame Brittle is from the middle eastern dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does sesame brittle keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 3 weeks airtight.