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Itrion (Sesame Biscuits)
Itrion (Sesame Biscuits) is a traditional Ancient Roman recipe for biscuits made from a sesame seed and honey paste. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Ancient Roman version of: Itrion.
prep time
20 minutes
cook time
20 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Serves:
4
Rating: 
Tags : Baking RecipesAncient Roman Recipes
Original Recipe
Itrion (from Athenæus' Deipnosophistae)
Athenæus was born in Naucratis, Egypt
circa 180CE. He is remembered chiefly for his his compilation Deipnosophistae (The Deipnosophists [which is most often loosely translated as
The Partying Professors). Writing in Greek, the book itself is a dialogue in which a variety of characters debate a wide spectrum of topics. Luxury, diet, health, sexual relationships, music, humour and Greek lexicography all come under discussion, but the focus is on food, wine and entertainment. There are numerous descriptions of meals and the curses involved in those meals. So detailed are many of these that a modern redaction of the food can easily be created. Though Egyptian Athenæus was a learned member of the Roman empire (Greek being the second language of the Roman Empire) and it is fair to assume that the food described by Athenæus would have been known across the Empire. It is also good to have someone apart from
Apicius as a source of recipes!
Translation
Itrion: a this biscuit made with sesame seeds and honey. Anacreon records it: 'I had lunch, breaking of a small piece of itrion and drinking a flask of wine.'
Modern Redaction
Method:
Pour the honey into a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the sesame seeds and then simmer for a further five minutes.
Grease a plate with olive oil and spread the honey and sesame seed mixture thinly on this. Flatten with a wetted wooden spoon then allow to cool properly for at least two hours before cutting and serving.
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