Kutsetes

Kutsetes is a sesame-based confection found in the Caucasus region, particularly in Georgia and parts of Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is a brittle candy made by binding toasted sesame seeds with a sweet syrup, typically honey or sugar, and forming it into flat bars or discs that harden as they cool.

Traditional kutsetes are made by toasting sesame seeds until golden, preparing a sugar or honey syrup, and then mixing the seeds with the syrup while hot. The mixture is spread onto parchment and pressed to a thin layer, which is allowed to set before it is broken into pieces. Some versions include chopped nuts or spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom.

Variants exist under similar names in neighboring regions, and kutsetes is sometimes compared with sesame-based confections known as pasteli or sesame brittle in other cultures. The precise recipe and name can vary by village or family, reflecting local tastes and available ingredients.

Cultural context: kutsetes is often prepared for holidays and celebrations and is commonly enjoyed with tea or coffee. It has a long shelf life when kept in a cool, dry place, making it suitable for gifting and festive occasions.

Origin and etymology: the name is of Caucasian linguistic origin; however, precise etymology is not standardized across languages. The confection reflects the widespread use of sesame and honey as simple binding ingredients in historic regional cuisines.