Hello friends! Â Nazia here, back again to share another beloved family recipe with the Food And Meal community. Today I’m delighted to present my homemade Sesame Candies – a sweet, nutty treat that always reminds me of childhood.
I have such vivid memories of my grandmother hand-rolling these candies to give as gifts for New Year Day. She would let me help coat the sticky sesame balls in powdered sugar, sneaking me broken ones when my parents weren’t looking! Even now, biting into that crispy sugar shell takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen.
Now that I develop recipes professionally, recreating these candies has been a true labor of love. Our test kitchen worked extensively on getting the chewy sesame filling just right – perfectly sweet with a subtle nuttiness. And we experimented with frying methods to achieve the ideal crispy, crackly exterior.
I can’t wait for you all to enjoy this taste of nostalgia. These Sesame Candies are the perfect treat for celebrating with loved ones or just curling up with a cup of tea. I hope they bring you as much joy and comfort as they’ve always brought me.
Sesame Candies Recipe
SESAME CANDIES
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups sesame seeds (golden, black, or a mixture)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- In a skillet, toast the sesame seeds over low heat until they start to pop, 4 to 5 minutes. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn. Pour the seeds into a plate to cool and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, water, and honey and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the syrup from heat when it is thick, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Immediately add the sesame seeds to the syrup, and stir to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the sesame seed-syrup mixture evenly onto the pan. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and roll gently with a rolling pin to make sure the top of the candy is flat. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut with a sharp knife into 1-inch squares or smaller rectangles. (Grease the knife if you have a hard time cutting the candy.)
- Cool completely and enjoy, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
I’m thrilled to be back sharing more cooking tips and tricks for my treasured homemade Sesame Candies recipe. These sweet, nutty treats spark such happy childhood memories every time I bite into their crispy shells.
Over the years, I’ve picked up little tips here and there on how to achieve the perfect texture for both the soft, chewy filling and the shatteringly crisp exterior. I’m so excited to pass on these secrets so you can recreate these nostalgic candies in your own kitchen.
One key thing is to stir the sesame filling almost constantly as it cooks. This prevents it from burning and allows it to achieve that smooth, putty-like consistency. Patience is key! I also highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to monitor the oil temperature when frying. Maintaining it between 350-375°F helps the candies develop an ultra crispy shell.
While technique is important, don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Sesame Candies your own. Play with different nut and seed fillings or coatings like coconut flakes or crushed peanuts.
Serving Suggestions
My homemade Sesame Candies make for the perfect sweet accompaniment to a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Their nutty, chewy filling and crispy exterior balance beautifully with salty or savory flavors.
I love serving them alongside a steaming bowl of miso soup and white rice. Take a sip of the umami-rich broth, then bite into the sweet sesame candy – it’s a match made in heaven! They also pair wonderfully with salty snacks like edamame, salted plums, or soy-glazed nuts.
Sesame Candies are also right at home on a sushi platter or bento box lunch. Place a candy or two alongside your sashimi, nigiri, or maki rolls. The sweetness enhances the fresh fish and pickled ginger flavors beautifully. For more texture contrast, try crumbling the Sesame Candies over a bowl of curry rice or tucking them into fluffy Japanese pancakes.
FAQs of Sesame Candy
- Is sesame candy good for you? Sesame candy can be a nutritious snack as sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium and iron. However, moderation is key due to its sugar content.
- Are Sesame Snaps a healthy snack? Sesame Snaps can be a healthy snack. Packed with sesame seeds, they offer a good source of nutrients. However, be mindful of added sugars in commercial varieties.
- What is sesame honey candy called? Sesame honey candy is often referred to as “Pasteli” in Greek cuisine. It is a traditional confection made with sesame seeds and honey.
- What is the name of the sesame confection? The sesame confection is commonly known as “Sesame Candy” or “Sesame Snaps.”
- Can I store leftover Sesame Candies? Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make them sticky.
- Can I freeze Sesame Candies? Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and make them less enjoyable.
- Are Sesame Candies gluten-free? Yes, Sesame Candies are typically gluten-free. However, always check the ingredients to be sure, as recipes can vary.
- Can I make Sesame Candies with black sesame seeds? Yes, you can use black sesame seeds for a unique twist. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delightful.
- How long do Sesame Candies stay fresh? When stored properly, Sesame Candies can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to seal the container well to maintain their crunchiness and flavor.
Conclusion
I hope you all enjoyed this sweet stroll down memory lane with my homemade Sesame Candies recipe. Getting to share these nostalgic treats with the Food And Meal community has been such a joy.
Don’t forget to visit the Food And Meal website to find the full, detailed recipe so you can recreate these crispy, chewy candies in your own kitchen. I’ve included plenty of tips to help you achieve that soft filling and perfectly crackly shell.
Let me know in the comments if you decide to make these Sesame Candies, especially if you try any fun flavor variations! I’d love to see your creative spins on this classic recipe. And please share this post if you know anyone else who might enjoy this tasty trip back in time.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.