Tahini Halwa Recipe
Tahini Halwa Recipe: As a housewife, food critic, and passionate cook, I’ve always enjoyed exploring new dishes and recreating them in my kitchen. The world of desserts is full of delightful surprises, and one such gem is the Tahini Halwa. This Middle Eastern delight is not only delicious but also brings a unique combination of flavors, aromas, and textures to the table. The moment I took my first bite of this luscious treat, I was transported to a world of nutty, sweet, and slightly spiced flavors that seemed to dance on my palate. The distinct aroma of tahini, combined with the crunchiness of nuts and the delicate spices, makes this dessert an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates a good culinary adventure.
What is Tahini Halwa?
Tahini Halwa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It boasts a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, velvety texture that is simply irresistible. The dessert is prepared by cooking tahini with sugar, honey, and butter, then adding aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Finally, a generous helping of chopped nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and almonds is mixed in, giving the halwa a delightful crunch. The result is a mouthwatering dessert that is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Variations of Tahini Halwa
Tahini Halwa is a versatile dessert that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. There are several variations of this scrumptious treat that you can try:
- Fruit-infused Tahini Halwa: Give your Tahini Halwa a fruity twist by adding dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or figs to the mixture. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful chewy texture to the dessert.
- Chocolate Tahini Halwa: For a decadent variation, try swirling melted dark chocolate into the tahini mixture before adding the nuts. This creates a marbled effect and adds a rich chocolate flavor that complements the nuttiness of the tahini.
- Tahini Halwa with Coconut: Add a tropical flair to your Tahini Halwa by mixing in shredded coconut along with the nuts. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top for a beautiful presentation and extra crunch.
- Tahini Halwa with Rosewater: For a fragrant and floral variation, add a few drops of rosewater to the tahini mixture while cooking. This imparts a delicate rose flavor that pairs wonderfully with the nuttiness of the tahini and the warm spices.
Nutrition
Apart from being delectable, Tahini Halwa offers various health benefits, thanks to its star ingredient – tahini. Some of these benefits include:
- Rich in healthy fats: Tahini is a great source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
- High in protein: Tahini is a protein-rich food, making this dessert an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake, especially for vegetarians and vegans
- Good source of vitamins
Step by Step Tahini Halwa Recipe
Tahini Halwa Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g tahini sesame seed paste
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g honey
- 50 g butter, unsalted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 50 g walnuts
- 50 g pistachios
- 50 g almond / badam
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
Pre-Cooking Preparation Steps:
- Chop the nuts: Measure out 50g each of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds. Use a sharp knife to chop the nuts into small pieces. Set them aside.
- Measure out the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients needed for the recipe, ensuring you have everything ready before starting the cooking process. This will help you work efficiently and avoid any errors.
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the tahini mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the tahini, sugar, honey, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Melt the butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
- Combine the tahini mixture and butter: Once the butter has melted, add the tahini mixture to the saucepan, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients.
- Cook the halwa mixture: Cook the mixture over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The mixture should thicken and become glossy.
- Add the chopped nuts: After the mixture has thickened, add the chopped walnuts, pistachios, and almonds to the saucepan. Stir well to evenly distribute the nuts throughout the halwa.
- Transfer the halwa to a dish: Grease a small dish or shallow pan with a little butter. Pour the hot tahini halwa mixture into the dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Cool and set the halwa: Allow the tahini halwa to cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours or until it is firm enough to slice. You can also refrigerate it for faster setting, but make sure to cover the dish with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Garnish and serve: Once the tahini halwa has set, sprinkle the top with sesame seeds, if desired. Cut it into squares or diamond shapes, and serve at room temperature.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- The tahini halwa will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to store it in layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Store leftover Tahini Halwa in the refrigerator for several months.
- Toasting nuts and seeds enhance the flavor and taste.
- To toast the nuts: Preheat the oven to 350 F and place a single layer of nuts on a baking sheet. Bake till golden brown (approx. 6-7 mins). Make sure to check in between.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Tahini Halwa Recipe
What makes tahini halwa different from other types of halwa?
Tahini halwa stands out due to its primary ingredient, tahini, which is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. The unique flavor profile of tahini – rich, nutty, and slightly bitter – adds depth and complexity to the dessert. Additionally, the combination of aromatic spices and crunchy nuts creates a distinct taste and texture that sets tahini halwa apart from other halwa varieties.
How long can I store tahini halwa, and what’s the best way to store it?
Tahini halwa can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. Make sure to store the halwa in layers separated by parchment paper to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
Can I make tahini halwa vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version of tahini halwa, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The rest of the ingredients, such as tahini, sugar, honey, spices, and nuts, are already vegan-friendly.
Is there a sugar-free option for tahini halwa?
Yes, you can make a sugar-free tahini halwa by substituting the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also replace the honey with a sugar-free syrup, such as agave or maple-flavored syrup, to maintain the consistency and flavor of the recipe.
Can I use different nuts in tahini halwa?
Of course! Tahini halwa is a versatile dessert, and you can experiment with different types of nuts or even dried fruits to suit your taste preferences. Some options include pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, or even macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the recipe.
What kind of tahini should I use for tahini halwa?
For the best results, use a high-quality, smooth tahini made from roasted sesame seeds. This will ensure a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture in your tahini halwa. Look for tahini that is well-blended with a pourable consistency, and avoid any that have separated or become too thick.
Do I need any special equipment to make tahini halwa?
No special equipment is required to make tahini halwa. All you need is a medium-sized mixing bowl, a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, a spatula, and a dish or shallow pan to set and serve the halwa.
Can I freeze tahini halwa for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze tahini halwa for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces of halwa in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy the halwa, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
How do I know when the tahini halwa mixture is cooked properly?
You’ll know the tahini halwa mixture is cooked properly when it has thickened, become glossy, and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. This process typically takes around 15-20 minutes of cooking over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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