FoodGreek-style halvah: A delicious twist on a classic dessert

Greek-style halvah: A delicious twist on a classic dessert

Halva without sesame - Delicacies
Halva without sesame - Delicacies
Images source: © Adobe Stock

2:43 PM EDT, August 20, 2024

Some people love halvah, while others say it tastes like sugar mixed with dust. Although the selection in stores is quite large, it's worth preparing this sweet treat on your own at home, especially when it tastes as good as Greek-style halvah.

The most common type of halvah is made from sesame, but sunflower halvah is becoming more common. However, these are not the only options. In Greece, you can find this popular sweet in a completely different form. If you haven't been convinced by halvah, this recipe might change your mind and make you discover this popular treat anew.

Halvah without sesame

It sounds impossible, but this treat is easily found in Greece. The base is semolina, a fine wheat porridge that our grandmothers often added to soups.

Greek halvah can be served as a dessert, snack, or addition to ice cream. Homemade halvah is always fresh and does not contain artificial additives. It is definitely not a diet dessert, but it's worth indulging in a bit of decadence.

Halva without sesame - Delicacies
Halva without sesame - Delicacies© Getty Images | Esin Deniz

Greek-style halvah recipe

Simple semolina, olive oil, and sugar – that's all you need to prepare this sweet snack. Simple ingredients, simple preparation, and a tasty dessert where nothing can go wrong. Its delicate taste and pleasant texture will certainly appeal to you. Halvah without sesame is a great alternative for those with allergies.

Ingredients:

Halvah:

  • 14 ounces of semolina,
  • 7 ounces of olive oil,
  • 1.4 ounces of raisins

Sugar syrup:

  • 20 fluid ounces of water,
  • 12.7 ounces of sugar,
  • 3 cloves,
  • 2 pieces of cinnamon.

Instructions:

  1. Boil water with sugar, cloves, and cinnamon. Cook for 12 minutes, checking the pot and stirring to avoid burning.
  2. Sauté the semolina in olive oil until golden.
  3. Combine the semolina with the syrup, and add raisins.
  4. Transfer to a mold and cool.

Simple Greek-style halvah is now ready. You can pour it into small molds or bowls or put it in a loaf pan and cut it into smaller pieces later. The taste is so intense and harmonious that any additional note would be sacrilege. All it needs is some bitter black tea, and you can enjoy it. Bon appétit!