LifestyleBlend two ingredients and put them into a container. Real halva, not from the store

Blend two ingredients and put them into a container. Real halva, not from the store

Homemade halva - Delicacies
Homemade halva - Delicacies
Images source: © Canva

4:53 PM EDT, October 25, 2023

Homemade sunflower halva is a dessert that quickly leaves only crumbs. I use only two ingredients and a good blender for its preparation.

Halva, although incredibly sweet, is also one of my family's favorite desserts. Since I've begun making it myself at home, store-bought versions simply don't compare for me. I don't use sesame to prepare it - sunflower seeds and honey are enough. I usually have both of these ingredients at home, so when I have a craving for something very sweet, I can whip up some homemade halva. Making it is quite simple, however, you need to arm yourself with patience as the ready-made mixture should spend the night in the fridge.

Is halva healthy?

It is one of the oldest confectionery products, which is still enjoying immense popularity today. The sesame version is the most popular, however, in Ukraine, the sunflower version reigns supreme.

Homemade halva - Delicacies
Homemade halva - Delicacies© Canva

Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E. This vitamin has strong antioxidant properties, helps in fighting harmful free radicals, thereby protecting the body from oxidative stress and cell damage. Additionally, vitamin E delays the aging process of the skin, contributing to its rejuvenation and overall improvement. Halva is a rich source of polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, which affect the maintenance of normal blood pressure, the functioning of the cardiovascular system, the control of cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as the development of healthy vision and the nervous system.

Although there are many benefits, it's better not to overdo the amount of halva eaten, as it is quite high in fats and is calorie-dense.

Homemade sunflower halva

I often make halva myself at home. All you need are two ingredients and a good blender that will grind them into a pulp. It turns out cheaper and even more tasty than in the store.

Ingredients:

  • 10.6 oz of hulled sunflower seeds,
  • 3.5-4.2 oz of liquid honey.

Preparation method:

  1. I toast the sunflower seeds on a dry pan until they are golden and release a fragrance.
  2. I pour the toasted seeds into a bowl or onto a plate and set it aside to cool.
  3. I grind the cooled seeds into a fine paste. It is best to do this with a coffee grinder or a powerful blender.
  4. I pour honey into the ground seeds and stir until a paste forms that is somewhat like Play-Doh.
  5. I transfer the sunflower seed paste into a mold lined with plastic wrap and press down firmly. I put it in the fridge overnight.
  6. I cut the ready halva into slices.


Homemade halva - Delicacies
Homemade halva - Delicacies© Licensor

What additions to halva?

While mixing ground seeds with honey into a mass, you can add vanilla, rum flavor, or chopped almonds, walnuts or dried fruits. You can mix part of the mass with cocoa and alternatively spread it on a baking sheet, creating a two-tone halva. Bon appetit!

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