Homemade halva

Nut halva is a delicacy that brings to mind festive moments, joyful family meals, and culinary traditions passed down through generations. This simple yet delicious dessert is made with accessible ingredients and is also perfect for the fasting period. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in creating homemade nut halva, a dessert that will surely impress anyone who tastes it.

Total preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 100 g semolina
- 200-300 g crushed nuts
- 200 g sugar (or honey for a healthier option)
- 300 ml water
- 60 g oil
- 1 packet of vanilla

Step 1: Preparing the syrup
Start by preparing the syrup. In a pot, add 200 g of sugar and 300 ml of water. Place the pot on low heat and stir constantly. It is important not to let the syrup boil too quickly; we want to achieve a syrup that begins to thicken slightly. This syrup will sweeten your halva. If you wish to use honey instead of sugar, it is an excellent choice, but add the honey at the end, after the syrup has cooled slightly, to avoid affecting its nutritional properties.

Step 2: Toasting the ingredients
In another pot, pour in 60 g of oil and add 200-300 g of crushed nuts (you can choose to use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts, depending on your preferences). Place the pot on medium heat and toast the nuts for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This step will add an intense flavor to the halva and make the texture even more pleasant. Be careful not to burn them, as the flavor of toasted nuts is essential.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
Once the nuts are toasted, add the semolina to the pot with the nuts and mix well. Then, pour the sweet syrup into the mixture of nuts and semolina. Continue stirring constantly for about 15 minutes over medium heat until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot. This is the crucial stage, and constant stirring will help achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you want a softer halva, you can remove it from the heat earlier.

Step 4: Flavoring and shaping the halva
After the mixture has thickened properly, take the pot off the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add the vanilla, mixing well to distribute the flavor evenly. Transfer the mixture to a separate dish to shape it as desired. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and let it cool for two hours. Here, the halva will take the desired shape and become firmer.

Step 5: Serving the halva
Once the halva has completely cooled, invert it onto a flat plate. It’s the perfect time to garnish it with crushed nuts or dried fruits such as raisins or candied apricots to add a splash of color and extra texture. This halva is usually served at festive meals but can also be enjoyed as a simple dessert at any time of the day.

Useful tips:
- If you want a halva with a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cocoa to the mixture of semolina and nuts.
- Experiment with different types of nuts: pistachios or almonds can add an interesting note.
- Serve halva alongside aromatic tea or good coffee to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits:
Halva is rich in protein and healthy fats due to the nut content, while the semolina provides complex carbohydrates that supply energy. This dessert is an excellent choice, especially during fasting periods when we want to maintain our energy and vitality.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or honey to achieve a halva with a different taste.
- How should halva be stored?
Halva keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days.
- Can halva be frozen?
Yes, halva can be frozen, but make sure to pack it well to prevent drying out.

This nut halva recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition to your meals. Enjoy every step of the preparation, relishing the perfectly blended flavors. Enjoy your meal!