Malian Honey-Sesame Energy Sticks
Discover the delightful flavors of Mali with these delicious Honey-Sesame Energy Sticks. Perfect for a quick snack or a nutritious lunch, these treats combine the nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds with the sweetness of honey. Simple to make, they offer a wonderful crunch and are packed with energy, making them ideal for a midday boost or a pre-exercise snack. Enjoy a taste of West Africa while contributing to a good cause; if you like this recipe, please consider making a donation to Oxfam. Every contribution helps support those in need, whether you love these treats or not!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sesame seeds
100 g (Toasted until golden)
Margarine
50 g (Melted)
Honey or Sugar
1 cup (Honey preferred for a natural sweetness)
Instructions
1
In a shallow pan over medium heat, lightly toast the sesame seeds without any oil. Stir consistently until the seeds turn golden brown and start to pop, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Carefully remove the toasted sesame seeds from the heat and allow them to cool on a plate, spreading them out evenly.
3
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat. Once melted, add the honey and increase the heat to medium.
4
Stir the honey and margarine mixture continuously until it begins to bubble and caramelize, around 8-10 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
5
Once caramelized, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the cooled sesame seeds until they are well-coated.
6
Pour the warm mixture into a greased flat tin or baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
As the mixture cools and starts to firm up, shape it into sticks by either cutting it with a knife or rolling it into logs. If desired, coat the sticks with additional sesame seeds for extra crunch.
8
Allow the sticks to fully cool before serving or storing them in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Malian Honey-Sesame Energy Sticks?
They are a traditional snack from Mali made by combining toasted sesame seeds with a caramelized honey and margarine mixture, resulting in a crunchy, sweet, and nutty treat.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The three main ingredients are 100g of sesame seeds, 50g of margarine, and 1 cup of honey or sugar.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
To toast the seeds, place them in a shallow pan over medium heat without any oil. Stir consistently for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and start to pop.
Can I use sugar instead of honey?
Yes, the recipe allows for either honey or sugar, though honey is preferred for a more natural sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list of sesame seeds, margarine, and honey, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How long does it take to caramelize the honey mixture?
The honey and margarine mixture should be stirred continuously over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until it begins to bubble and caramelize.
What is the best way to shape the energy sticks?
Once the mixture starts to firm up while cooling, you can either cut it with a knife into sticks or roll portions into logs.
Should I use oil when toasting the sesame seeds?
No, you should toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan without any oil.
How do I prevent the honey mixture from burning?
Ensure you use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir the mixture continuously over medium heat to prevent burning.
Do I need to cool the sesame seeds after toasting?
Yes, after toasting, you should remove them from the heat and allow them to cool on a plate, spreading them out evenly.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for melting the margarine and cooking the honey to ensure even heat distribution.
Can I add extra crunch to the sticks?
Yes, you can coat the shaped sticks with additional sesame seeds for extra crunch.
How should I store the finished energy sticks?
The sticks should be stored in an airtight container once they have fully cooled.
Are these energy sticks suitable for pre-exercise?
Yes, they are packed with energy and make an ideal pre-exercise snack or midday boost.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors of Mali in West Africa.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and only requires three main ingredients.
What should the sesame seeds look like when they are done toasting?
They should be golden brown and will likely start to make a popping sound.
How do I prepare the pan for setting the mixture?
You should use a greased flat tin or baking dish to pour the warm mixture into.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine, butter can typically be used as a substitute for a similar texture.
What is the texture of these sticks?
The sticks have a wonderful crunch due to the toasted sesame seeds and caramelized honey.
When should I stir the seeds into the honey mixture?
Immediately after the honey and margarine mixture has caramelized and you have removed the saucepan from the heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 3 ingredients: sesame seeds, margarine, and honey or sugar.
Is there a charity associated with this recipe?
The recipe description suggests making a donation to Oxfam to support those in need if you enjoy the recipe.
What heat setting should I use to melt the margarine?
Margarine should be melted over low heat before adding the honey.
Can these be served warm?
It is best to allow the sticks to fully cool before serving so they can firm up properly.
How do I spread the mixture evenly?
Pour the warm mixture into a greased flat tin and use a spatula or spoon to spread it out while it is still warm.
Are these sticks suitable for a lunch box?
Yes, they are described as being perfect for a nutritious lunch or a quick snack.
What does caramelization mean in this context?
It refers to the process of heating the honey and margarine until the mixture bubbles and develops a deeper flavor and golden color.
Why do I need to stir the seeds consistently during toasting?
Sesame seeds are small and can burn quickly; consistent stirring ensures they toast evenly without scorching.
How much honey is required for 100g of sesame seeds?
You will need 1 cup of honey or sugar for 100g of toasted sesame seeds.