Halvah

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Middle Eastern

A rich, nutty halvah with toasted flour, cinnamon, and walnuts, offering a sweet, crunchy texture. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a treat.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 c. vegetable oil
  • 2 c. water
  • 1 c. chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Brown flour in a frying pan over low heat, stirring constantly for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat.
  3. Add sugar, cinnamon, and oil to the flour, stirring for 5 minutes.
  4. Add water and reheat, stirring for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Cover and simmer slowly for 5 more minutes.
  6. Fold in chopped walnuts.
  7. Let cool and then cut into squares.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a perfectly browned flour, keep stirring constantly to prevent burning. If you want a nut-free option, you can substitute chopped walnuts with sunflower seeds. For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of cardamom or using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. If you’d like a sweeter taste, increase the sugar slightly or drizzle honey over the squares before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Halvah can be served as a sweet treat on its own, or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. It also complements fresh fruit beautifully. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a scoop of Lush(Pudding Dessert) for a contrasting texture. You can also sprinkle some additional chopped walnuts on top for added crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover halvah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer it cold, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave for a few seconds or warm it gently in a pan over low heat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Halvah contains roughly 990 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

990 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 80.5g 100% DV
Carbs 60.8g 22% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 8.4mg
Potassium 308.3mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Vitamin C 16.7mg 19% DV
Calcium 53.3mg 4% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of regular flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser, so you might need to adjust the water content slightly to achieve the right consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegan version, simply substitute the vegetable oil with any plant-based oil and ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly. This recipe is quite versatile and can easily fit into vegan diets.

How can I add different flavors to the halvah?

You can experiment with different flavorings by adding vanilla extract, almond extract, or even citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Incorporating cocoa powder can create a chocolate version, while dried fruits like raisins or apricots can add sweetness and texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →