Meni-Meniyong (Malian Sesame and Honey Brittle)
In short: Toasted sesame seeds bound with honey and butter, spread thin and cut into finger-sized bars, a crunchy Malian market sweet with three ingredients. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 160 kcal
Meni-meniyong is a sesame and honey sweet sold in Malian markets, and it is as simple as sweets get: toasted sesame seeds, honey and a little butter. The honey and butter are cooked until they darken and bubble, stirred into the seeds, then pressed thin and cut into finger-sized pieces while still warm. The result is crunchy, nutty and not too sweet, a good snack with tea. Work quickly, because the mixture sets within minutes.
Instructions
- Butter a baking sheet or line it with parchment and butter the parchment. Have a second sheet of parchment and a rolling pin ready.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry wide pan over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until light golden and fragrant. Tip them into a bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey and butter over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture foams, thickens and turns a shade darker, 3 to 4 minutes (about 140°C / 285°F on a candy thermometer).
- Pour the honey mixture over the seeds, add the salt and ginger, and stir quickly until every seed is coated.
- Scrape the mixture onto the baking sheet. Cover with the second sheet of parchment and roll it to about 5 mm (1/4 in) thick.
- While still warm, cut into finger-sized bars with a sharp knife. Let cool completely, then break apart along the cuts.
Tips
- Test the syrup by dropping a little into cold water. It should firm into a chewy-crisp bead. If it stays soft, cook it a minute longer.
- Sesame seeds burn quickly, so toast them in a wide pan and keep them moving. Store the finished bars in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Questions and answers
Can I make meni-meniyong without butter?
Yes. Use a neutral oil or leave the fat out. Butter adds a rounded flavor and keeps the bars from becoming too hard.
How long does it keep?
In an airtight container at room temperature, up to 2 weeks. Humid air makes it sticky, so keep it dry.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or light corn syrup work if cooked to the same temperature. Honey gives the most traditional flavor.
How long does it take to make Meni-Meniyong (Malian Sesame and Honey Brittle)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Meni-Meniyong (Malian Sesame and Honey Brittle)?
About 160 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 15 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 160 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
