Make homemade halvah for a delectable dessert treat.
Halvah is a sweet confection steeped in tradition that is popular in Asian, Mediterranean and Middle East regions. Although halvah varies both in the spelling of the name and in some ingredients, the basic treat is generally the same. Most variations have sesame seeds, semolina, butter and sugar, although some recipes substitute honey for sugar and oil for butter. Whether you have a family heritage that involves making and eating halvah, this delicious dessert makes a tasty treat.
Instructions
1. Open the jar of tahini and drain the oil out completely into a measuring cup. Add vegetable oil to equal 1.5 cups of combined oils.
2. Heat the oils in a large saucepan and add 4 cups of semolina flour to the warm oils. Cook over a low heat and stir constantly while heating. Cook until the mixture turns golden brown. Add the drained tahini and remove from the heat.
3. Heat 1 cup honey in a small saucepan until it registers 233 degrees F on the candy thermometer. Remove from the heat and add 1/2 tsp. cardamom to the honey, stirring well. Pour the hot honey and 1/2 cup sesame seeds into the semolina mixture and stir the ingredients well.
4. Pour the warm mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of crushed almonds or pistachios and allow to sit undisturbed until firm. Slice the halvah into pieces when it is firm. Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Tags: from heat, sesame seeds, well Pour
