Introduction

Indulge in a dessert that combines nutty flavors with sweet notes and has a texture that melts in your lips. Halva is an enticing Middle Eastern dish that brings that to the table. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of halva or just now learning about it, the dessert’s history is fascinating and crosses many cultures. Made mostly from tahini and honey, halva is a nutty, somewhat crumbly treat that is as easy to make as it is tasty. With a few playful twists, this simple halva recipe will teach you how to make this classic treat at home.

A wonderful dish for gatherings or a fast dessert after supper, halva is ideal for sharing with loved ones. You will want to cook this dish again and again because of its delicate sweetness and nutty flavor.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Traditional Halva Recipe

Description

Indulge in this easy halva dish made with tahini and honey. A tasty, nutty dessert that’s ideal for sharing and easy to personalize.

Ten minutes for preparation
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Twenty minutes in total
Proportions: 10
Calories: 250 per serving

Ingredients

1 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
¾ cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for additional taste)
½ cup chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or walnuts work excellent)
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional for chocolate halva)

Instructions

Prepare the Tahini Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and entirely combined.

Heat the Mixture

Transfer the tahini mixture into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture begins to bubble slightly. This should take roughly 5-7 minutes.

Flavor Boost (Optional)

If you’re adding cardamom or other spices, incorporate them into the tahini mixture at this stage. You can also add chocolate chips for a swirl of sweetness.

Add the Nuts

Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the chopped nuts until equally distributed.

Set the Halva

Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan or dish, spreading it out evenly using a spatula. Press it down to condense the mixture.

Chill

Place the dish in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Serve

Once the halva has hardened, slice it into small squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

Notes

Tahini consistency: Make sure the tahini you’re using is well-mixed and not too greasy.
Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage: Store halva in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 50g)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

With only 20 minutes of active preparation, this halva recipe is excellent for when you want a fast and tasty dessert.

No Baking Required

This is a stovetop dessert, so you don’t even have to turn on the oven!

Naturally Gluten-Free

This halva is created with tahini and honey, making it naturally gluten-free and appropriate for individuals with dietary needs.

Customizable

You may easily add chocolate, spices, or different types of nuts to suit your preferences.

Great for Sharing

Halva is perfect for cooking ahead and sharing with guests or at gatherings.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Tahini

The star of the show! Tahini is produced from ground sesame seeds, giving halva its trademark nutty flavor and creamy texture. If you’re out of tahini, you may experiment with peanut butter or almond butter, however, it will vary the flavor.

Honey

A traditional sweetener for halva, honey helps create that silky, melt-in-your-mouth smoothness. Maple syrup is a terrific vegan-friendly replacement that works just as well.

Nuts

Pistachios are the most typical choice for halva, but almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts can be used to provide texture and richness.

Vanilla Extract

Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor. You can also try almond extract for a distinct twist.

Cardamom

This is an optional but highly recommended spice that gives a fragrant, floral note to your halva. Other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be utilized as well.

How to Make Traditional Halva (Step-by-Step)

Mix the Tahini and Honey

Start by whisking together the tahini and honey in a medium-sized bowl. This creates the base of your halva. Make sure the tahini is well-mixed beforehand, as it can sometimes separate into oil and paste.

Cook the Ingredients

Pour the ingredients into a saucepan and cook slowly over medium heat. Stir regularly to prevent it from sticking or scorching. You’ll know it’s ready when little bubbles begin to form.

Add Flavorings and Nuts

Once heated, you can whisk in your selected flavorings, such as cardamom or chocolate chips. Follow by folding in your chopped nuts. This process provides more texture and flavor to the halva.

Pour and Set

Transfer the hot mixture into a lined dish or loaf pan. Smooth out the surface using a spatula, pressing down to condense it. This ensures your halva sets evenly.

Chill and Serve

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Once set, slice it into squares and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

Use fresh tahini: Since tahini is the backbone of this dish, make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality tahini. Old tahini can become bitter, which might alter the flavor of the halva.
Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the heat when cooking the tahini and honey combination. Overcooking can cause the tahini to lock up, resulting in a gritty texture.
Press the mixture firmly: When transferring to a dish, push the halva mixture down firmly to ensure it sets well and doesn’t collapse when cut.

Variations & Customizations

Chocolate Halva

To make a chocolate variation, stir ¼ cup of melted dark chocolate into the tahini mixture before setting it in the pan. You may also swirl in chocolate chips for a marbled look.

Nut-Free Halva

If you have a nut allergy, eliminate the chopped nuts and add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries instead.

Spiced Halva

Amp up the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. A sprinkling of sea salt can further enhance the flavors.

Vegan Halva

Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan-friendly variation. The flavor will be somewhat different, but just as great.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

Halva stores brilliantly! Keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You may even freeze halva for extended storage—just make sure to wrap it firmly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Halva is best served cold or at room temperature, therefore no reheating is needed. If you prefer it somewhat softer, let it out of the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

With Tea or Coffee: The nutty sweetness of halva is wonderful alongside a strong cup of coffee or tea.
As a Topping: Crumble halva over yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal for a sweet and nutty crunch.
Dessert Platter: Include halva on a dessert platter alongside other Middle Eastern sweets like baklava and Turkish delight for a diversified treat offering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is halva comprised of?

Halva is usually produced using tahini (sesame seed paste) and honey or sugar. It commonly includes nuts and can be seasoned with spices like cardamom.

Can I make halva without tahini?

Tahini is needed for traditional halva, but you could substitute it with nut butters like almond or peanut butter. However, the flavor will alter drastically.

How long does homemade halva last?

Homemade halva can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

Can I make vegan halva?

Yes! Just substitute the honey with maple syrup or another vegan-friendly sweetener.

Conclusion

Halva is a simple yet delightful dessert that’s full of rich tastes and pleasing textures. With just a few ingredients, you can prepare this traditional dessert at home in no time. Whether you follow the original recipe or get creative with tastes and additives, halva is likely to become a new favorite in your household. So go ahead, assemble your ingredients, and give this dish a try—you won’t be disappointed!