PASTELI – A HEALING DELICACY FROM ANTIQUITY FOR ENERGY AND HEALTH

This powerful treat is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, where it’s called intrion. In Homer’s time, intrion or pasteli was given to Greek warriors before battle to provide them with the energy and strength they needed for intense effort and combat.

Pasteli also appears in ancient Egyptian records, where women used it to stimulate hormonal glands. The famous Greek writer and “father” of history, Herodotus, called pasteli both a medicine and a delicacy in his writings.

But what exactly is pasteli? It’s a mix of two incredibly nutritious ingredients – sesame and honey. Some call it a “pie” made of sesame and honey.

The Benefits and Healing Properties of Pasteli

The combination of these two ingredients creates a “holy grail” of nutrients, including zinc, iron, fiber, magnesium, calcium, copper, and various B vitamins, covering nearly all the essentials for health and body function.

According to studies, the synergy of these natural ingredients is effective in balancing blood lipids, especially in managing LDL and HDL cholesterol ratios.

Pasteli can be ideal for regulating irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and improving circulation. It will give you the energy and strength needed for intense physical or mental work.

Research indicates that regularly consuming pasteli can relieve chronic fatigue, nervousness, and depression. The combination also works well for chronic stress, with notable effects appearing after just three weeks of regular use.

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of Nutrition confirmed the benefits of honey and sesame in reducing depression, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure.

Pasteli contains an impressive 182 elements beneficial for our health, especially with its high concentration of antioxidants.

One or two bites of pasteli before an important event will provide long-lasting and robust energy, making it excellent fuel for your body’s health.

Original Recipe for Pasteli

Ingredients:

300 grams tahini (pure ground sesame paste)

300 grams natural honey

Note: Ready-made tahini can be found in health food stores. If you have time and a good blender, you can make it yourself.

To make tahini at home, you’ll need raw, hulled sesame seeds and oil (usually 2 teaspoons per half or one cup of seeds, depending on the thickness you prefer – sesame, olive, or sunflower oil is typically used). Toast the seeds lightly in a pan (without oil) until golden (5-10 minutes, stirring continuously). Be careful not to burn the seeds, as they’ll become bitter. Once cooled, blend the seeds with the oil until you reach a smooth paste (you can add more oil if necessary).

Instructions: Combine the two ingredients in a bowl. Before mixing, you can pour off any excess oil that may have collected at the top of the tahini container. Although both ingredients are liquid, they will solidify into a paste-like texture once well-mixed.

For added texture, you can mix in a handful of chopped walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Some people bake this mixture, but we don’t recommend it since heat reduces both flavor and nutritional value.

Shape the mixture into small balls, bars, or any form you prefer. Roll the balls or bars in whole sesame seeds for a finished look.

Arrange your pasteli on a serving tray and place it in the fridge to set.

Take 2-3 pieces daily as a medicinal treat, but beware, it’s hard to stop at just one! Enjoy in moderation, as this treat is a real energy “bomb.”