Learn how to make Kopania, the traditional sweet sesame treat of Santorini, and discover the history and meaning behind this beloved island delicacy.
A Sweet Bite of Santorini’s Past
Every Greek island has its signature flavors, and in Santorini, few are as charming and nostalgic as Kopania. This humble sweet, made from roasted sesame seeds and raisins, carries the taste of tradition. Long before sugar became common, Kopania was the energy snack of the island, offered to children, travelers, and guests as a sign of hospitality. Its ingredients are simple, yet they reflect the island’s history of resourcefulness and love of wholesome foods.
For many locals, Kopania isn’t just a treat—it’s a memory. It recalls afternoons in village kitchens, the earthy aroma of sesame seeds roasting, and the sticky sweetness of raisins binding everything together. Today, it remains a staple at festivals and family gatherings, served alongside coffee or wine. Making Kopania at home is not only a way to enjoy a healthy dessert but also to bring a taste of Santorini into your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Kopania
- 2 cups sesame seeds
- 1 cup raisins (or a mix of raisins and sultanas)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for added sweetness and binding)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional, for extra aroma)
- Olive oil for greasing hands or surface
Preparing the Sweet Sesame Treat
- Toast the sesame seeds. Place the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until they turn golden and release their nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
- Grind the raisins. In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the raisins until they form a thick paste. Traditionally, this step was done by hand, which gave the mixture a rustic texture.
- Combine sesame and raisins. Mix the toasted sesame seeds with the raisin paste in a large bowl. Add honey and cinnamon if desired. The mixture should be sticky and easy to shape.
- Shape the kopania. With slightly oiled hands, roll small amounts of the mixture into bite-sized balls. Alternatively, press the mixture flat onto a greased surface and cut into squares or bars.
- Let them set. Allow the kopania to rest for at least an hour before serving, so the flavors meld together.
Serving and Tradition
Kopania are best enjoyed with a strong Greek coffee or a glass of Santorini’s Vinsanto wine. In the past, they were handed to children after school or offered to travelers as a symbol of welcome. They remain popular during local feasts and religious festivals, reminding islanders of a time when sweetness came from the land itself, not from refined sugar.
Beyond their cultural charm, kopania are also nutritious—packed with protein, minerals, and natural energy. For modern visitors, they are a delicious bridge between the simplicity of the past and the island’s enduring culinary traditions.
Bringing Santorini into Your Kitchen
Making kopania at home is more than following a recipe—it is a way of connecting with Santorini’s spirit of hospitality. Each bite carries with it the warmth of family kitchens, the generosity of village life, and the timeless bond between land and people.
So, the next time you crave something sweet yet wholesome, try this Santorini recipe. Kopania may be simple, but its story and flavor are rich—a perfect taste of the island’s soul.