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Middle Eastern Halva Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This authentic Middle Eastern Halva recipe features a rich, sweet sesame dessert made with tahini, sugar syrup, and aromatic cardamom. Enhanced with vanilla and crunchy pistachios, this no-bake treat is set in the fridge and perfect for an elegant snack or dessert that celebrates traditional flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Halva Base

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom

Tahini Mixture

  • 1 ⅔ cups tahini
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

  • ½ cup unsalted raw pistachios, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. Mix Tahini and Vanilla: In a heat-proof bowl, combine the tahini and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the syrup.
  3. Make Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, cardamom, and water. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the sugar completely dissolves, about 5 minutes.
  4. Boil the Syrup: Turn the heat to medium and bring the sugar mixture to a boil. Continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
  5. Combine Syrup and Tahini: Remove the syrup from the heat and slowly pour it into the tahini mixture, stirring vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the halva mixture becomes thick and glossy.
  6. Add Pistachios: Fold the chopped pistachios into the halva mixture until evenly distributed.
  7. Set the Halva: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to set.
  8. Serve: Slice the halva while cold using the parchment paper overhang to lift it out. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use pure vanilla extract or essence to enhance the flavor.
  • For an even texture, ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature before combining with tahini.
  • Halva keeps well refrigerated for up to one week.

Keywords: halva, middle eastern dessert, tahini, cardamom, pistachios, no bake dessert, sesame sweet

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/middle-eastern-halva-recipe/