Sesame Honey Candy — the honey-only Levantine version of sesame brittle
Sesame honey candy is the rustic, honey-only version of sesame brittle. Without added cane sugar, the flavour is rounder and more floral — and the candy is softer and chewier than the snapping brittle made with both honey and sugar.
i. Origin & history
Honey-only sesame candies appear in the writings of Herodotus and have been continuously made across the Eastern Mediterranean for nearly three thousand years.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 24 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 250 g white or mixed sesame seeds, toasted
- 350 g honey
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp orange-blossom water
iii. Method
- Toast sesame in a dry pan until fragrant.
- Heat honey with salt to 130 °C / 265 °F on a sugar thermometer — softer than for brittle. It will bubble vigorously.
- Off heat, stir in toasted sesame and orange-blossom water.
- Pour onto oiled parchment, spread thin. Cool 30 minutes, score, then snap into pieces.
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
Common across the Greek islands as pasteli, in the Levant as simsmiyeh. Modern variations include hazelnut, pistachio, or anise-infused honey.
vi. Common questions
What is sesame honey candy?
Sesame Honey Candy is the honey-only levantine version of sesame brittle, from middle eastern cuisine. Without added cane sugar, the flavour is rounder and more floral — and the candy is softer and chewier than the snapping brittle made with both honey and sugar
Where is sesame honey candy from?
Sesame Honey Candy is from the middle eastern dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does sesame honey candy keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 2 weeks airtight.