Silky Smooth Sesame Halvah (Homemade Heaven)

Right then, let's get cracking on this halvah recipe ! ever find yourself craving something sweet, but just a bit different? honestly, this happened to me last week.

You know, not just your regular biscuit or a slice of cake, but something...exotic?

Silky Smooth Sesame Halvah: Homemade Heaven

Well, that's where this homemade halvah comes in. it's a classic middle eastern sweet , delightfully crumbly and melt-in-your mouth. this tahini dessert recipe is a nutty, sweet, and slightly savory flavour bomb.

I promise you'll love it!

What’s Halvah Anyway? A Little History

Halvah has been around for yonks! This amazing dessert hails from the Middle East and Mediterranean. It's got a rich history. Trust me, you'll be transported back in time!

Easy ish Halvah? You Bet!

Ok, this isn’t a walk in the park like making a cuppa. but, with a little patience, you'll be whipping up middle eastern desserts like a pro.

It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking around 35 minutes plus chilling time. this recipe makes about 12 servings, perfect for sharing, or…not!

Why You’ll Love This Halvah

This is more than just a sesame candy recipe . sesame seeds are packed with goodness! this vegan halvah recipe is naturally plant based and full of healthy fats.

The sesame candy recipe is perfect for a cosy night in, or showing off your baking skills. what makes this recipe special? the taste of course!

Next, we will dive into the ingredients for our Turkish Recipes Desserts .

Right then, let's get cracking on this lark! before we whip up this incredible silky smooth sesame halvah, let's make sure we have everything sorted.

It's like prepping for the "bake off," but in your own kitchen! honestly, getting organised is half the battle.

Ingredients & Equipment: Halvah Heaven Starts Here!

This isn't just any dessert; we're talking Middle Eastern Sweets magic! So, let's gather our bits and bobs. No need to panic buy, though. We'll try to use things you probably already have.

Main Ingredients for Homemade Halvah

• Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste): 2 cups (480ml) . Important: It needs to be well stirred. Quality tahini is key, guys. Look for a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty aroma. If it smells bitter, ditch it!
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) (plus extra for dusting later).
• Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . A pinch of sea salt really balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Roasted Pistachios: 1/4 cup (30g) or more, chopped. (Optional)

Sugar Syrup Time!

• Water: ¾ cup (180ml)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .

Seasoning Notes for a Taste of Turkey

We want this Halvah Recipe to pop! It really needs that authenticity.

• Essential spice combinations: The vanilla and salt are our base. The pistachios, if you use them, will provide that delicious contrasting texture and flavour..
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Don't be afraid to experiment!
• Quick substitution options: If you haven't pistachios, toasted almond flakes are an easy substitute.

Equipment Needed to get a Easy Halvah Recipe

You won't need loads of fancy gear, promise! This Tahini Dessert Recipe is totally doable with the basics.

• Heavy bottomed saucepan: For that sugar syrup. A must.
• Candy thermometer: Absolutely essential! We're aiming for the hard ball stage ( 245- 250° F or 118- 121° C ), so accuracy is key.
• 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan: Lined with parchment paper. This is important for easy removal. Trust me, you don't want to be scraping halva out of a pan!
• Rubber spatula: For stirring and getting every last bit of deliciousness out of the bowl.
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Food Processor: (Optional)

Common household alternatives:

• If you don't have a candy thermometer (gasp!), there are old-school methods for checking the sugar stage. I strongly suggest investing in one, though. It's so much less stressful.
• A sturdy wooden spoon can substitute a rubber spatula in a pinch, but be careful not to scratch your pan.

We are now ready to get in our way for a delicious Vegan Halvah Recipe and delicious Turkish Recipes Desserts .

Silky Smooth Sesame Halvah: Homemade Heaven

Ever had that moment where you crave something sweet, but, like, different ? this halvah recipe is your answer! right then, let's get cracking on this lark! this middle eastern dessert is a crumbly, melt-in-your mouth dream.

Trust me, once you try this homemade halvah , you'll be hooked.

It's not the easiest thing ever, but totally doable. Think of it like a fun challenge, alright?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, get everything organised. That's your Essential Mise en Place , darling! Measure out your ingredients. Line your pan with parchment paper. Seriously, it makes life so much easier later.

And a quick note: hot sugar syrup is no joke! So keep little ones out of the kitchen for this one.

Let's Get Cooking: The Halvah How-To

1. Pan Prep: Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment, leaving an overhang. A little grease helps too.
2. Tahini Time: If your tahini (sesame paste) is raw, toast it in a dry pan until fragrant. Then, in a food processor, whizz together 2 cups tahini , ½ cup sugar , ½ tsp salt , and 1 tsp vanilla .
3. Syrup's Up: In a saucepan, combine ¾ cup water , 1 cup sugar , and 1 tbsp lemon juice .
4. Hard Ball Stage: Cook the syrup over medium heat. Without stirring, bring it to 245- 250° F . Use a candy thermometer!
5. Combine: Slowly drizzle the hot syrup into the tahini paste, mixing constantly.
6. Pour & Press: Immediately pour into your prepared pan and press down gently.
7. Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or overnight.
8. Serve: Lift out using the parchment. Cut and enjoy your Sesame Candy Recipe !

Pro Tips: Halvah Hacks

• Don't skimp on the tahini ! Seriously, good tahini is key. I have to get my tahini from my local shop, it's amazing!
• The syrup temperature is crucial . Get it right or you'll end up with a mess!
• Wanna make it ahead? You can store Halva Recipe in the fridge for up to a week.

Common Mistakes: Overmixing the tahini after adding the syrup can make it oily. Also, don't rush the chilling process!

This Vegan Halvah Recipe is a cracking treat. Honestly, it's worth the effort. Why not give it a whirl?

Right then, let's get cracking on the recipe notes for our silky smooth sesame halvah! honestly, even though it seems a bit fancy, this is totally manageable.

Let's make sure everyone nails it, eh?

Recipe Notes: The Secret's in the Sauce (Syrup!)

Alright, let's get cracking with some tips and tricks for the perfect Halvah Recipe. Remember, baking is a science, but also a bit of magic!

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

• Fancy a bit of posh? Cut the Halva Recipe into little squares. Arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with honey!
• Middle Eastern Desserts are all about sharing. So serve it with strong Turkish coffee. Or maybe some mint tea.
• Crumble it over some Greek yogurt. Or even a scoop of ice cream! That way you get Easy Halvah Recipe vibes. You know?
• Top with sprinkled with extra chopped pistachios. For a bit of colour. I also love a dusting of icing sugar, just a touch.

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

• Fridge is your friend. Keep your Homemade Halvah in an airtight container. Lasts about a week, easy.
• Freezing is a shout. But the texture might change. Wrap it well. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating? Nah, you eat this cold. Straight from the fridge. That's where it shines!

Mix it Up: Variations

• Vegan? Sorted! This Vegan Halvah Recipe is already vegan as is. Boom!
• Chocolate Halvah: Add some cocoa to the tahini mixture. Ooh la la! Seriously, makes it taste like a Tahini Dessert Recipe treat.
• Want something a little festive? Why not try swapping out the regular sugar for some maple syrup. The flavour really pops with the sesame!

Goodness Inside: Nutrition Basics

• Middle Eastern Sweets can be healthy ish. Sesame seeds are good for you!
• Okay, so there's sugar in it. But everything in moderation, right? We are going to get on that Sesame Candy Recipe !
• This Turkish Recipes Desserts has protein and fibre! Plus it is a source of calcium and iron!

Right then , hope these notes are helpful. don't be scared to experiment. and most importantly, have fun! if you nailed this halvah recipe , you're basically a baking superstar.

You got this! let me know how it goes, yeah?

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is halvah, and is it difficult to make at home?

Halvah is a dense, sweet confection traditionally made from sesame seed paste (tahini) and sugar syrup. While it might seem intimidating like something you'd only find at a fancy deli, making halvah at home isn't as tricky as you might think!

It requires some attention to detail, especially with the sugar syrup, but with a bit of patience, you can create a delicious batch that's far superior to store-bought versions. It is a bit like making your own jam, lots of careful attention paid to hitting the right stage, but it is worth it!

My halvah turned out oily. What did I do wrong?

An oily halvah is a common issue, often caused by overmixing after adding the sugar syrup. The key is to mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing releases the oils from the tahini, resulting in a less than-ideal texture.

Also, ensure you're using high-quality tahini; some brands are naturally more oily than others. If you're using raw sesame seeds, consider toasting them before, as that can change the flavour profile.

How do I store halvah, and how long does it last?

To keep your homemade halvah fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, it should last for about 2-3 weeks. You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life, but be aware that it might become a bit harder in the fridge.

Just let it sit at room temperature for a little while before serving to soften up. Think of it like storing a lovely piece of shortbread; treat it with care!

Can I use honey or other sweeteners instead of sugar in this halvah recipe?

While you can substitute some of the sugar with honey or other sweeteners like maple syrup, it will alter the texture and flavour of the halvah. Honey, for example, is sweeter than granulated sugar, so you'll need to adjust the amount accordingly.

Also, sweeteners like honey can affect the crystallisation process of the syrup, potentially resulting in a softer, less crumbly halvah. It's a bit like swapping out ingredients in a Victoria sponge; you might get something tasty, but it won't be quite the same!

Is halvah healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Halvah offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its main ingredient, sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and healthy fats. However, it's important to remember that halvah is also high in sugar and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Think of it as a special treat, a bit like enjoying a slice of Battenberg cake now and then, rather than an everyday staple.

What are some fun variations I can try to spice up my halvah?

There are tons of ways to customise your halvah and put your own Bake Off spin on it! You could try adding chopped pistachios or almonds for extra crunch. Swirling in some melted chocolate or a spoonful of Nutella creates a decadent chocolate halvah.

For a more exotic flavour, try adding cardamom, rosewater, or orange zest. Or, for the truly adventurous, a pinch of sea salt on top can enhance the sweetness and bring out the nutty flavour. The possibilities are endless - get creative and have some fun!