Sesame seed candy, also known as Tilgul in some regions, is a popular sweet treat in Ethiopia. This crunchy and nutty candy is made from sesame seeds and honey or sugar, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures. It’s a simple yet delightful dessert that can be enjoyed by all.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar (you can use a mix of both if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast the Sesame Seeds
- Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Toast them
- Toast the seeds, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the seeds
- Remove the seeds from the heat and set them aside.
- Prepare the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey (or sugar), butter (if using), ground cardamom (if using), and salt.
- Add heat to it
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Cook well
- Continue to cook the syrup until it reaches the soft ball stage (about 240°F or 115°C on a candy thermometer). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.
- Mix with Sesame Seeds
- Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat.
- Stir continuously
- Quickly stir in the toasted sesame seeds until they are evenly coated with the syrup.
- Shape the Candy
- Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased surface.
- Spread mixture
- Use a spatula or rolling pin to spread the mixture into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Let it cool
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it is still pliable but not hot.
- Cut candy
- Cut the candy into desired shapes (squares, rectangles, or diamonds) while it is still warm.
- Cool Completely
- Let the cut candy cool completely at room temperature. It will harden as it cools. Once fully cooled, break the pieces apart and store them in an airtight container.
- Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- If using sugar, be careful not to burn it while making the syrup.
- You can add other seeds or nuts, like sunflower seeds or chopped almonds, for variation.
- Store the sesame seed candy in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Sesame seed candy is a delightful and nutritious treat that showcases the simplicity and richness of Ethiopian desserts. Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even as a part of festive celebrations!