Pasteli — sesame and honey bars

Wash the lemon and finely grate its zest. Line a 22 cm round tin with baking paper. Toast the sesame in a dry frying pan for 3 min, stirring, until golden but not dark brown. Keep warm in a bowl.

Pour the honey into the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and cook to 125 °C, checking with a cooking thermometer. Add the toasted sesame and optional salt. Stir over medium heat for about 10 min, until the mixture thickens and sticks to the spatula. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest.

Carefully pour the hot mixture into the tin and spread with the back of a spoon without touching it. Leave to cool slightly for about 20 min, then cut into small bars before it sets completely. Let cool before eating.