Creamy Tahini Halva with Pistachios Recipe
This traditional Halva recipe combines creamy tahini with a fragrant rose water syrup and crunchy pistachios to create a sweet, nutty dessert that's simple to make yet richly flavorful. With its glossy texture and delicate floral notes, this Middle Eastern treat is perfect for special occasions or a unique everyday dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Halva Mixture
- 1 ½ cups tahini
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- Pinch salt
Syrup
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup water
Toppings
- ½ cup unsalted raw pistachios (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later. Set aside.
- Make Tahini Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the tahini, rose water, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside to infuse the flavors.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, place the sugar, then slowly pour in the water, ensuring the sugar is fully covered. Cook the mixture while stirring occasionally until it reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This temperature corresponds to the soft-ball stage ideal for halva.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully and slowly pour the tahini mixture into the hot sugar syrup while stirring continuously. Stir until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes glossy and thickens slightly. Then fold in the roughly chopped pistachios evenly.
- Set the Halva: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional pistachios on top for garnish. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the halva for about 2 hours until it is fully set and firm enough to slice. Once set, slice into 8 to 10 pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement to ensure the syrup reaches the correct soft-ball stage.
- The rose water adds a floral note but can be adjusted based on preference or omitted for a more traditional taste.
- If tahini is too thick, stir it well before measuring to get an accurate quantity.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Chilling is essential for the halva to set into the proper texture.
