Best Halva Recipes

HALVA 5 WAYS

Steps:

• Line an 8x8" baking pan or a 9x4" loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2" overhang on 2 sides. Using a wooden spoon, mix tahini, salt, and vanilla in a medium heatproof bowl.
• Pour 1/4 cup water into a small saucepan, then stir in sugar. Attach a candy thermometer to side of pan.
• Bring sugar to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally to help sugar dissolve, until thermometer registers 250°F. Immediately remove syrup from heat. Gradually stream syrup into tahini mixture, mixing tahini constantly with wooden spoon. Continue to stir just until halva comes together in a smooth mass and starts to pull away from sides of bowl (less than a minute). Be careful not to overmix or halva will be crumbly.
• Working quickly, scrape halva into prepared pan, pushing toward edges; smooth top. Let cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic and chill at least 2 hours. Remove from pan using parchment overhang. Slice as desired to serve.
• Do Ahead: Halva can be made 3 weeks ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
• For Pistachio-Rose Halva
• Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 300°F. Spread 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast until fragrant and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer nuts to a plate. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
• Prepare halva, adding half of the chopped pistachios and 1/4 tsp. rosewater to the tahini, salt, and vanilla mixture.
• Stir sugar syrup into tahini mixture and form halva as directed. Sprinkle remaining nuts over, pressing gently to adhere. Cover and chill as directed.
• For Cardamom-Chocolate Halva:
• Prepare halva, adding 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom to the tahini, salt, and vanilla mixture.
• Stir sugar syrup into tahini mixture, then quickly stir in 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate just to combine (you want to see streaks of chocolate). Form halva as directed. Sprinkle 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate over, pressing gently to adhere. Cover and chill as directed.
• For Lemon-Poppy Seed Halva:
• Prepare halva, adding 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds to the tahini, salt, and vanilla mixture.
• Add 1 Tbsp. finely grated lemon zest to water in saucepan before making the sugar syrup, then prepare syrup as directed.
• Form halva as directed. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds over, pressing very gently just to adhere. Cover and chill as directed.
• For Chocolate-Za'atar Halvah:
• Prepare halva, adding 1/2 tsp. za'atar to the tahini, salt, and vanilla mixture.
• Stir sugar syrup into tahini mixture as directed, then quickly stir in 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate just to combine (you want to see streaks of chocolate). Form halva as directed. Sprinkle 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate over, pressing gently to adhere. Cover and chill as directed.

GAJAR HALVA (CARROT PUDDING - AN INDIAN DESSERT)

Steps:

• Heat carrots and half-and-half to boiling in saucepan; reduce heat.
• Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until all the half & half is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
• Stir in the brown sugar, raisins, butter, cardamom and salt.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until all of the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is of your desired consistency, (pudding-like) about 15 minutes.
• Garnish with pistachios or slivered almonds.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

PERSIAN HALVA

Steps:

• Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan; cook, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Stir rose water and saffron into the sugar mixture; cover saucepan and remove from heat.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat; stir flour into the melted butter until mixture is a smooth paste. Continue to cook, stirring often, until paste turns golden, about 5 to 10 more minutes.
• Slowly whisk sugar mixture into paste until smooth. Remove saucepan from heat and spread halva evenly onto a plate or platter. Make a pattern on the top of halva using the back of a spoon or a knife. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.

HALVA (A GREEK SWEET USING SEMOLINA)

Steps:

• Dissolve the sugar in the water and milk and bring it to a bare simmer.
• Boil for 5 minutes and remove from heat.
• At the same time, brown the semolina in the oil on medium-high heat, stirring continuously.
• This should take 4-5 minutes. Add the nutmeats for the last 2-3 minutes to toast them slightly.
• When the semolina has taken a golden brown colour, add the syrup to it (taking care not to burn your hands, as this bubbles and steams up excessively- be prepared!), turn down the heat and keep stirring until you get a kind of thick porridge. Continue cooking until the mixture is very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan as you stir.
• Spoon into a buttered or oiled bundt pan and pack down with the back of a spoon. Let it cool. (I use a silicone bundt pan for this - eliminates the need to grease, and my halvah comes out in a pretty pattern).
• Unmold onto a platter and sprinkle with more walnuts, toasted sesame (optional) and cinnamon.
• You should not put this dessert in the refrigerator.
• It can keep for a few days outside the refrigerator, assuming you can gather enough will power not to eat it all at once.
• Some oil may start to drain off after a day or so, but this is to be expected, just dab it away with some kitchen paper.

GREEK HALVA

Steps:

• In a pot, add the 4 cups of water, 8 cups sugar, 8 cinnamon stick, 8 cloves, and bring to boil for 5 minutes, turn off the heat and add the honey.
• In a deep pot, on medium to high heat add the extra virgin olive oil and 2 cups of semolina. Constantly stir with a wooden spatula until the color changes from a golden blonde to a golden brown.
• Once the color changes add the 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir.
• Very carefully, slowly add small amounts of the simple syrup to the semolina (the hot syrup will steam and splatter so be careful).
• On a medium-low heat, continually stir until the mixture thickens. Add the almonds and stir.
• Transfer to a cake pan and let it cool. Turn over onto a cake platter and dust with cinnamon.

DIVINE SEMOLINA DESSERT - SUJI HALVA

Steps:

• Combine the water, sugar and the soaked saffron in a 2-litre/quart saucepan. Place over moderate heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to very low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
• Melt the butter in a 2- or 3-litre/quart saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add the semolina, and slowly and rhythmically stir-fry the grains for about 20 minutes, or until they darken to a tan colour and become aromatic.
• Add the flaked almonds to the grains towards the end of the toasting process.
• Raise the heat under the syrup, add the cardamom and the sultanas, and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Raise the heat under the semolina for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
• Remove the saucepan of semolina from the heat, and slowly pour the hot syrup into the semolina, stirring steadily.
• The grains may at first splutter, but will quickly cease as the liquid is absorbed.
• Return the halava to the stove and stir steadily over very low heat until the grains fully absorb the liquid, start to form into a pudding-like consistency, and pull away from the sides of the pan.
• Place a tight-fitting lid on the saucepan and cook over the lowest possible heat for 5 minutes.
• A heat-diffuser works well. Removed the covered saucepan from the heat and allow the halava to steam for an additional 5 minutes.
• Serve hot.

IRMIK HELVASI (TURKISH SEMOLINA HALVA)

Steps:

• Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring syrup to a boil.
• Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes. Add semolina and pine nuts. Cook, stirring continuously, until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Pour syrup carefully over the semolina mixture. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until nicely thickened, about 5 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes. Divide halva over several small dishes.

HELWA TAT-TORK HALVA

Steps:

• In a heavy pan, stir sugar into water and heat to boiling. Once it is boiling, stop stirring. Boil until 284 degrees fahrenheit.
• In a heat-proof bowl, mix tahini, vanilla, and almonds.
• When sugar water reaches temperature, pour on tahini mixture and stir until it thickens.
• Pour in a pan and let cool. Cut to serve. Store in an airtight container.

HONEY SESAME HALVA

Steps:

• 1. Grease an 8x10x2" rectangular non-stick pan and line the bottom with parchment and oil that too. You can also use a tin with a press out bottom, ramekins or a plastic container.
• 2. If you plan to use nuts in this it would be advisable to toast them at 350'F (180'C). And add them to the Honey syrup while it's still warm. Heat the honey is a medium sized sauce pan. Watch it, it will bubble up so keep a close eye on it.
• 3. I used a candy thermometer and when the temperature of the honey hit 240'F (115'C) the soft ball stage I took it off the heat to cool. If you are going to add nuts to this add them while the syrup is cooling.
• 4. While the honey is cooling, add your flavoring if using. I added some coconut essence to mine. Heat up the sesame tahini to 120'F (50'C) and fold the warm tahini into the warm syrup.
• 5. Once the mixture has cooled, cover it to keep out moister. This gives sugar crystals time to grow in the halva which gives it its distinct texture.
• 6. Enjoy!

SWEET SEMOLINA: HALVA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium pot on medium-high heat. Add the semolinas and almonds and stir constantly until the semolina is cooked and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
• In a small pot, mix the water, sugar, lemon half, cloves, and cinnamon. Place on high heat and bring to a boil. Turn heat to medium-high heat and simmer until sugar has dissolved, about 6 minutes. Pass through a sieve and discard lemon and spices.
• Carefully, pour the syrup over the semolina and stir until well blended. Cover the pot and let sit to absorb, about 10 minutes.
• Spoon the mixture into 3 1/2 to 4-ounce ramekins and let cool. Unmold onto a plate and sprinkle with cinnamon.

PERSIAN HALVA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a frying pan .
• Add flour, reduce heat and stir frequently until becomes golden.
• In another pot,add the sugar to one glass of water and bring to a boil.
• Add saffron and rosewater and stir.
• Let flour cool slightly, then add the mix and stir well. If the mix is not thick, heat for 1-2 minutes but not longer.
• Serve with pistachio and almond sprinkled on top.

HALVA MAGIC BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-9-inch pan with cooking spray and line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang.
• Add the butter to the prepared pan. Spread the graham cracker crumbs and salt evenly over the bottom of the pan. Add the chopped chocolate, halva and pistachios.
• In a medium bowl, stir the condensed milk with the vanilla and rosewater, if using. Pour evenly all over the layers in the pan. Sprinkle the coconut on top, then top with the rose petals if desired.
• Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into bars.

WHEAT FLOUR HALVA

Steps:

• Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small pot, stirring until sugar dissolves into a syrup. Stir rose water, cardamom, and saffron into the syrup. Reduce heat to low; cover to keep syrup hot.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour until mixture is a smooth paste, about 1 minute. Cook, stirring constantly, until paste turns brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove flour mixture from heat. Whisk in hot syrup gradually until syrup is completely absorbed and mixture is the consistency of a smooth, soft paste, at least 4 minutes.
• Spread mixture in a shallow bowl. Cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

HALVA (IRANIAN DESSERT)

Steps:

• Heat 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden and thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool briefly.
• Combine water and sugar in a separate saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Stir in rose water and saffron. Add the flour mixture. Cook and stir until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes at most. Serve halva with crushed pistachios and almonds sprinkled on top.

GREEK HALVA (A SEMOLINA PUDDING)

Steps:

• Brown the semolina in the oil on medium - high heat stirring continuously for 3 minutes.
• Add the sugar, the nuts (if using) and continue stirring for another 4 minutes.
• When the semolina has taken a brown colour add the hot water. (Be careful, there are bubbles and steam!)
• Turn the heat down and continue stirring until the mixture is very thick and its pulls away from the sides of the pan as stirring.
• Spoon into a bundt pan, on in small bowls and unmol onto a platter on onto individuals plates.
• Sprinkle with more nuts and cinnamon.

HALVA (SESAME SEED FUDGE)

Steps:

• Cook sugar and milk in a sauce pot over medium heat to just under the soft-ball stage (203 degrees F).
• Remove from heat and add Tahini and vanilla but do not stir.
• Wait 2 minutes.
• Beat the mixture with a paddle or spoon for a few seconds.
• Pour into a small buttered pan.

BAKED HALVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. Mix in semolina and almonds.
• Combine 1 cup sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating batter briefly between each addition. Stir in lemon zest.
• Pour batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
• Combine water, 3 cups sugar, cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves into a syrup. Pour syrup over cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let cake cool, about 30 minutes. Cut into squares.

SESAME HALVA, RAW VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, WHEAT FREE, DAIRY FREE

Steps:

• process the sesame seeds for until a paste consistency, scrapping down the sides as required. This may take several minutes. If your machine gets warm (you don't want the paste getting too warm) just take a break and let it cool a bit. Now you have your own fresh tahini.
• Add the finely chopped dates (can use date paste here, I make my own date paste when I'm motivated so I've got it there for later) and vanilla and process scrapping down the sides until the dates are incorporated and the halva is a thick grainy paste. At this stage you take it out and mix by hand any additions you would like.
• Press it into a suitable container, preferably a shallow one and put it in the fridge, it's now ready to eat as is but it will firm up nicely overnight. Once it's set I like to tip it onto a plate and cut chunks off like cheese. Will keep in the fridge for a while.

HONEY HALVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.Butter a 8x8 pan.
• In a medium bowl cream together butter and warm honey.Beat in eggs, one at a time.
• Gradually fold in farina,cinnamon, and almonds.
• Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes.
• Simmer water and honey for 10 minutes and pour over halva.
• Cool and cut into squares or diamonds.

GREEK HALVA

Steps:

• Grind the mastica with the teaspoon of sugar until it is a powder.
• Fry the almonds in a saucepan until they are golden brown.
• Remove 1/4 of the almonds (to decorate the pudding at the end).
• Add the semolina to the pan and heat for a minute.
• Add the water and the sugar and gradually bring to a boil, stirring all the time.
• When thickened add the mastica and the sugar.
• When the semolina is ready, it will bubble and be quite thick.
• Pour the mixture into a greased pudding mould and chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
• Turn out onto a plate and decorate with the reserved almonds.