Looking for something simple, sweet, light and crunchy? Then these sesame pies or crescents will definitely satisfy all those urges. Similar to baklavas and typical of Greek sweets they are doused with a simple syrup when they come out of the oven. Sweets made with phyllo pastry are some of my favourites in Greek cooking. To me they represent a time of celebration and family gatherings. You may even call it “sweet comfort eating”.
I made a few adjustments to the original recipe, especially the amount of sugar that was required for the sugar syrup. The rest is easy. Some store bought phyllo, ground sesame seeds, brown sugar and a few spices. And for all you good people fasting out there these are also Lent friendly. I also opted to brush the sheets with Greek olive oil instead of butter. Enjoy these for morning or afternoon tea with a lovely cup of Greek coffee. They are really delicious!
RECIPE FOR PHYLLO AND SESAME PIES
(Adapted from Vefa’s Kitchen
- 1 packet of store bought phyllo
- olive oil for brushing
FOR THE FILLING
- 500 grams of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
FOR THE SYRUP
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of squeezed lemon juice
- Place the sesame seeds, sugar and spices into a food processor and blend until a paste forms.
- Stack four pieces of phyllo together, ensuring each sheet is brushed with olive oil
- Spread the sesame paste all over the top sheet and then proceed to roll up the sheets into a long cylinder.
- Cut the cylinder in half and shape each part into a half moon or crescent.
- REPEAT STEPS 2-4 UNTIL ALL THE PHYLLO SHEETS HAVE BEEN USED UP
- Place the pies into a baking pan and bake in a pre heated 180 deg C oven and cook for about 45 mins or until they are golden brown
- To make the syrup combine the water, sugar and cinnamon in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Boil for a further 5 mins without stirring, add the lemon juice, remove from the heat and remove the cinnamon stick. Carefully pour the syrup over the pies when they come out of the oven.
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{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
lovely lovely flavors. i like the sesame seeds and spices – but with my craze for pistachio i might just add a small handful! LOL!
Actually that sounds like a great idea Meeta!
I love the sweet comfort eating description. They do look like something I’d like to eat at family gatherings.
Great recipe idea Peter. I think I have seen the top photo on flickr too. What do you think about sprinkling some sesame seeds on top of the phyllo maybe towards the end of baking, so that they do not brown too much?
That’s a great idea too Thorsten! I’ll keep it in mind for ext time!
My hand wanted to grab some from the screen, but my brain shouted… stop it!!! We are on diet! All that sugar!!! They must be soooooo good Peter! I appreciate tripple now all these sweets and dishes with sauces and… beers. Sniff, sniff.
I love the flavor of sesame seeds!
What irresistible pastries! I’d love to have one or two with a good cup of fragrant Greek coffee!
Cheers,
Rosa
Good for you putting a contemporary touch on it and switching out butter for olive oil — and I’m assuming the sugar adjustment was less, not more!
Looks delicious, especially with that strong Greek mud – er, I mean, coffee.
Oh I’ve never had anything like these… they look delicious!!
Great little pittas Peter! I would add some “drunken” raisins in there too…
Definitely love this Peter … a great way to enjoy a simple, sweet, no-fuss treat! The sesame seeds are a great departure from the usual nut fillings.
Love, love, love this recipe! I am fasting now so this is perfect. I love the sesames =)
Nice litlle “strifta” pitakia. I would only give a shake of icing sugar and more cinnamon but otherwise…have “as is”.
Peter those look fab – I love the first picture! They do look and sound so similar to baklava – and I love me my baklava =)
Fantastic recipe, I have bookmarked this site to return often for more inspiration. Thanks for posting
Mmm, these sound delicious! I love anything with sesame seeds. I will have to give this twist on baklava a try!
OMG!! I will keep the recipe as it is since sesame seeds are wonderful!
Love the recipe, and the photos
These look so irresistible peter. I love phyllo pastry, but unfortunately you dont get some here in Ghana not in India. These are so tempting, n even more so since I cant get any … hehe !
Amazing. My heart skipped a beat when I saw these!
My fav combo same seeds and phyllo dough. Sounds delicious and the phoths are always a delight for my eyes
The look perfectly lovely.
I like the olive oil substitution.
LL
I must have stared at the screen for at least five minutes before writing this. The pictures just blow me away! I do love baklava and have always wanted to try and make them myself. This one seems easy enough to do but still super delicious!
Ditto about the photos.. they are all brilliant and the baklava… the recipe makes me want to give it a try
You know what I love about you and your blog. It’s how accessible you make things. I love the baklava, but it’s a big mess to make! You broke it out of the expected and brought it to a place where I think it needs to go. The blogoshere amazes me. So much talent out there and you are certainly at the top of that talent list. GREG
These sound and look so interesting! What a fun new recipe to try out!
I like Greek Baklava so I am thinking I will love these little treats. From the ingredients they look like they are very simple to make. What a perfect match with a strong cup of coffee.
Mmm you’re playing my song Peter! Phyllo pastry is my weakness! And it was great to finally meet you after all this time!
These are absolutely wonderful. Love the combination and definitely a must try.
Love Vefa’s recipes. Pitakia is always the best way to go when wanting something sweet.
Magda
Mmmm. Sesame pies similar to baklavas? The flavours and textures are totally rocking it here! Yum. By the way I finally linked you on my blog. I’ve been a real wally brain and couldn’t figure out how to keep track with all the amazing blogs out there. Hopefully that’s gonna change starting now.
x
i love your blog and your recipes..the photos are excellent!Great work!
I love sweets with sesame (or really anything with sesame) though we tend to use black sesame in Asian treats. Your stories and recipes are always wonderful and your photography, spot on.
I’ll have to try this………… wow.
Love the idea of using olive oil rather than butter. They look great
Wow! This seems so simple and delicious. As a variation, I’d like to try using rosewater for the syrup.
I always love seeing the change of seasons reflected in reverse on your blog. We in the northern hemisphere are gliding into spring, yet the cup of hot chocolate in your photo looks so inviting.
Brilliant Peter! I love the taste of toasted sesame seeds and I can almost imagine what this would taste like.
Wow! this looks deliciouuuus
looks great and simple!i love the photos…perfect as always
I bet those were bursting with flavor, congrats on your Savour nomination!
These look so fantastic- I love these flavours and textures and the golden appearace + crunch is just the best part!!