Turkish Semolina Halva "İrmik Helvası"

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil offers a dairy-free option while maintaining richness.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness and flavor complexity.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk reduces calories and adds a nutty flavor.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: walnuts

Sunflower seeds are more affordable and provide similar crunch.

Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a wide big pan. Add flour and semolina flour and fry (sauté) stirring continuously for about 15 minutes until caramel color develops.

Meanwhile, for the syrup, heat the water, milk, and sugar until the sugar dissolves, stirring from time to time.

When the semolina reaches the desired color, add the nuts and stir for one more minute. Slowly pour the syrup into the pan, being careful with the steam. Stir until the semolina soaks the syrup.

Mix 2 tbsp molasses with half cup water and add to the halva mixture. Stir again and let it sit for one minute before serving.

Serve warm, optionally sprinkling with cinnamon or more nuts, or shape with two spoons while hot. You can also fill it with ice cream by shaping it in a bowl and making a well in the center.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens