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Middle Eastern Tahini Halva with Pistachios Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

This authentic Middle Eastern Halva recipe offers a rich and delicate sweet treat made from tahini, sugar, and aromatic cardamom. Featuring a smooth, glossy texture and enhanced with crunchy pistachios, this no-bake dessert is simple to prepare and perfect for serving as a sophisticated snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Halva Base

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 ⅔ cups tahini
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

  • ½ cup unsalted raw pistachios, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang slightly for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. Combine Tahini and Vanilla: In a heat-proof bowl, mix the tahini and vanilla extract together. Set aside to await the syrup.
  3. Make Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, cardamom, and water. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes, then increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook Syrup to Soft Ball Stage: Continue boiling the syrup, watching carefully with a candy thermometer, until it reaches 250°F, indicating the soft ball stage.
  5. Incorporate Syrup into Tahini: Remove the syrup from heat and slowly pour it into the tahini mixture while stirring vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon to blend thoroughly. The mixture will become glossy and thick at this stage.
  6. Add Pistachios: Fold the chopped pistachios into the halva mixture evenly.
  7. Set the Halva: Pour the halva into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top for an even surface. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours until firm.
  8. Slice and Serve: Once set, slice the halva while still cold for clean cuts, but serve it at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in the halva.
  • Smoothing the top of the halva in the pan helps achieve a more appealing presentation once set.

Keywords: Middle Eastern halva, tahini dessert, cardamom halva, pistachio halva, no-bake dessert, traditional halva recipe

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/middle-eastern-tahini-halva-with-pistachios-recipe/