How to Make Honey Halvah The Nosher from www.myjewishlearning.com
Introduction
Honey halva is a popular Middle Eastern sweet dish that is made from tahini or sesame paste, sugar, and honey. It has a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that makes it perfect for dessert. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. You can serve it as a dessert or snack, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make honey halva:
1 cup tahini (sesame paste)
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, here are the steps to make honey halva:
Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tahini, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for another 10-15 minutes or until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula.
Let the halva cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Once the halva is firm, remove it from the baking dish and cut it into small squares or rectangles.
Store the honey halva in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for honey halva:
Serving size: 1 piece (1/16th of recipe)
Calories: 170
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 3g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by lining a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the halva from the dish once it has cooled.
Step 2: Combine the Sugar, Honey, and Water
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3: Boil and Simmer the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the mixture to thicken and become syrupy.
Step 4: Add the Tahini, Vanilla Extract, and Salt
Add the tahini, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture will become thick and sticky.
Step 5: Continue Cooking the Mixture
Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for another 10-15 minutes or until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. This will help the halva to set and become firm.
Step 6: Add Chopped Nuts (Optional)
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped nuts, if using. This will add a nice crunch and flavor to the halva.
Step 7: Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. Make sure the surface is even and smooth.
Step 8: Cool and Refrigerate the Halva
Let the halva cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This will help the halva to set and become firm.
Step 9: Cut the Halva into Pieces
Once the halva is firm, remove it from the baking dish and cut it into small squares or rectangles. This will make it easier to serve and eat.
Step 10: Store the Halva
Store the honey halva in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This will help it to stay fresh and delicious.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Halva
Here are some tips to help you make the best honey halva:
Use high-quality tahini and honey for the best flavor.
Stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Be patient and let the halva cook for the full 10-15 minutes to ensure that it sets properly.
Use a sharp knife to cut the halva into pieces for a clean, even cut.
Store the halva in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and firm.
Final Thoughts
Honey halva is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its soft, chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious honey halva can be?