makes 30 pieces
You can make this phyllo dessert without butter! Note that frozen phyllo needs to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, so plan ahead.
1 pound (450 g) #7 chilled or frozen commercial phyllo, thawed in the refrigerator overnight if frozen
½ cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking sheets
2 cups (480 ml) tahini
1½ cups (400 g) granulated sugar
½ cup Greek honey
3 cups (240 g) finely ground walnuts
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 to 4 cups (375 to 500 g) confectioners’ sugar, as needed, for dusting
Quince, neratzi (bitter orange), or orange spoon sweets, for serving (see Note)
Remove the phyllo from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly oil two baking sheets.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip together the tahini, granulated sugar, and honey on high speed until smooth and creamy, drizzling in water in ¼-cup (60 ml) increments (up to 1½ cups / 360 ml) until the tahini mixture is creamy and spreadable, about the consistency of peanut butter. Stir in the walnuts and cinnamon by hand. Set aside.
Place the phyllo sheets horizontally in front of you on a clean work surface. Cut them crosswise into three 6-inch-long (15 cm) strips. Stack the phyllo strips and keep them covered with a kitchen towel. Take one strip, place it vertically in front of you, and brush it sparingly with some of the olive oil. Place a second strip on top. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the bottom center of the strip, fold in the sides, and roll up to form a tight cylinder. Place the cylinder seam-side down in the prepared baking pan. Continue with the remaining phyllo and filling until you have used all of one or the other. Bake until lightly golden, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. While the pastry is still warm, sift confectioners’ sugar over it generously.
Serve topped with quince, neratzi, or orange spoon sweets. Store any leftovers in tins in a cool, dry place for about 5 days.
NOTE: These spoon sweets are available online or in Greek grocery stores.