Halva comes in different flavors. The most common flavors are vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio, but specialized delis may have a large assortment of unique flavor combinations. If you are feeling ambitious, you can make halva at home, but it is not easy. [5] X Research source The ingredients are simple, but combining them correctly, cooking them at the correct temperature, and getting just the right texture is a real art form. [6] X Research source
If you have a soft or semi-soft halva, take it out of its container and slice it with a sharp knife. If you have a particularly hard halva, you may not be able to get a knife through it. In this case, shave pieces off the top with a strong metal spoon. Scraping the top of the halva with a spoon produces thin strips that resemble sawdust shavings. Soft halva can be enjoyed right out of the container with a spoon.
Because some types of halva can be hard and sticky, letting it sit on your tongue can also prevent it from getting stuck in your teeth.
Although halva is high in sugar, the sesame base provides a boost of vitamin B, protein, and calcium. Try having a piece during mid-morning or afternoon slumps to help recharge your energy reserves.
Some people compare the taste and texture of halva to Butterfinger. [9] X Research source If you are a fan of snacking on a Butterfinger after dinner, you may want to try halva for a simpler alternative that is just as sweet.
Although it may not seem like you are eating a lot, consuming more than ten small pieces or thin slices in one sitting may give you a stomach ache.
The extra robust, bitter flavor of Turkish coffee pairs extra well with the sweet taste of halva.
Sweet herbal teas do not generally pair well with halva because halva is already so sweet. You may not be able to enjoy the subtle taste of your herbal tea after the intense flavor of the halva.
Spread soft halva on your toast. Because of its intense sweet flavor, it’s best to spread it on blander foods like baguettes, crackers, or biscuits. [11] X Research source Sprinkle halva over your cereal. It’s easy to add small slices or strips of halva into your favorite cereal, or add it to your granola. [12] X Research source
If you want to give a new twist to a healthy snack, try adding bits of halva to banana and strawberry slices. [13] X Research source Crumbled halva makes an excellent ice cream topping. [14] X Research source Sprinkle halva on top of baked goods. Halva’s texture makes it great as a topping for your favorite baked goods. Try it on cookies, brownies, cakes, or tarts. [15] X Research source It pairs especially well with chocolate-flavored sweets. [16] X Research source
Grease a large pan and line it with parchment paper. Cover the bottom of the pan with chopped halva. Melt the dark chocolate and butter and set aside. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the combined mixture and gently fold together. Pour the mixture over the halva in the baking pan and spread evenly. Set aside for 30 minutes at room temperature. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C).
Place the margarine in a mixer with a whisk attachment and beat until fluffy. Break vanilla flavored halva into pieces and add to the mixer, beating until combined. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer and beat until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Divide the dough into 30 pieces and transfer to baking pans lined with parchment paper. Bake at 340 °F (171 °C) for 12-15 minutes.
