Persian Halva

Description

Halva is a favorite dessert throughout the Middle East. Many varieties are made with tahini or semolina flour. This Persian version uses a simple mixture of flour, butter, and sugar with the sweet perfume of rosewater. Cut into wedges and serve with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup rose water
  • 3 saffron threads
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan; cook
  2. stirring constantly
  3. until sugar is dissolved
  4. about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir rosewater and saffron into the sugar mixture; cover the saucepan and remove from the heat.
  6. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat; stir flour into melted butter until mixture is a smooth paste. Continue to cook
  7. stirring often
  8. until paste turns golden
  9. 5 to 10 more minutes.
  10. Slowly whisk sugar mixture into paste until smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  11. Spread halva evenly onto a plate or platter. Make a pattern on the top of halva using the back of a spoon or a knife. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set
  12. at least 1 hour.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Servings: 8

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