Semesmiyeh Sesame Slice

Name: Semesmiyeh Sesame Slice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: makes 50-60 pieces
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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roubashahin.com.au

Desserts Snacks

Crunchy semesmiyeh sesame slices—quick, flavourful, and perfect for gifting or snacking. Made with just 5 simple ingredients!

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOK TIME

30 minutes

SERVES

makes 50-60 pieces

About this recipe

Semesmiyeh sesame slice, is a delightful treat that’s both simple and packed with flavour. This recipe is my mother-in-law’s signature, and let me tell you, she’s seriously fixated on making it just right! She insists on using specific utensils and even waits for the perfect outdoor temperature—no hot weather allowed. She’s known for getting down on the ground and using her body weight to press it down—funny, but somehow it works! I’ve taken her recipe and simplified it for you, with just five ingredients, you can enjoy this crunchy semesmiyeh sesame slice without all the fuss.

If you’re a fan of sesame, this recipe is a must-try. The sesame slice is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a light snack, breakfast bar, or a little treat for the kids. And if you love sesame seeds as much as I do, don’t miss out on trying my other recipes like Blighat Sesame Bows—a Moroccan pastry flavoured with orange blossom and coated in honey—or my savoury 3 Cheese Sesame Muffins, which are perfect for lunchboxes.

These semesmiyeh sesame slices also make for amazing edible gifts! Be sure to check out my blog article on 15 Edible Gift Ideas for more inspiration.

Watch it here

Ingredients

500 grams sesame seeds (roasted)
250 grams of honey
¾ cup of white sugar
1 cup of pistachio kernels
¾ cup of almonds roasted

Notes from Rouba

You can spread the sesame seeds in a pan and put them in the oven at 160°. You’re looking for a light golden colour.
Alternatively, place and stir sesame seeds in a large frying pan over medium heat, stirring at all times. Once the sesame seeds are lightly golden in colour, add the almonds and pistachio and stir through for approximately 1 minute until the nuts are well combined and heated through.
Continuous stirring will prevent the sesame seed from instantly turning brown which we want to avoid.

Every time I share these sesame slices, they’re a hit! For an elegant touch, I love popping them into a glass jewellery box—perfect for gifting. Find it here

Method

Step 1.

Grease a 30×20 cm non-stick tray with cooking oil spray or generously brush with some oil (canola or vegetable oil).
Begin by placing the sugar in a medium size saucepan, pour the honey on top and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer on very low for approximately 4-5 minutes or until you’re ready to pour over the sesame nut mixture. Watch the honey closely as it can overflow.

Step 2.

In the meantime, place the sesame seeds in the microwave in a bowl for approximately 7 minutes, remove and give a good stir through. Place back in the microwave for another 7 minutes until lightly golden in colour. Remove. Add the almonds and pistachio to the sesame, combine well and place back into the microwave for another 2-3 minutes (See Notes Above for other ways to toast your sesame).

Tip the sesame nut mixture into a bowl and pour the honey mixture over the top, stirring to coat. The honey mixture will start to set straight away, so you will have to work quickly here.

Step 3.

Once well combined, transfer the mixture into the oiled pan and firmly pack down with your wet hands. Wet hands as necessary.
Place a piece of greaseproof paper over the sesame slice and continue to flatten firmly. Use another pan to flatten with or a rolling pin.

Step 4.

The mixture should be starting to set, but it will still have some flex to it. Run a knife around the edges of the tray to ensure the sesame slice smoothly tips over. Allow the sesame to slightly cool down.

Step 5.

Once sesame is slightly cooled, place a board on top of the tray and tip the tray upside down. Rest the tray on the board for approximately 1 minute allowing the sesame slice to slide onto the board smoothly.

Step 6.

Cut into the desired strips. For a perfectly cut slice, use a ruler.