Halva Almond Dessert

Halva Almond Dessert Recipe - Traditional Greek Sweet Treat

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Halva Almond Dessert is a sweet and nutty treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This dessert is made with a combination of sugar, honey, almonds, and cream of wheat, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Halva is a popular dessert in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, with variations of the dish being enjoyed in countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Israel. The addition of almonds in this recipe adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the traditional halva dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup of sugar
1 cup of honey
2 cups of water
0.5 tsp of cinnamon
0.25 lb (113 g) (1 stick) of butter
0.5 cup of finely ground almonds
1 cup of raw cream of wheat

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, water, and cinnamon.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
While the syrup is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet and add the almonds and cream of wheat.
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it is browned.
After the syrup has cooked for 20 minutes, add the almond and cream of wheat mixture to the syrup.
Mix well, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the mixture into a buttered 8-by-10 inch shallow pan.
Allow it to cool.
Cut the mixture into squares and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or cinnamon.

Variations

Add chopped pistachios or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Substitute the cream of wheat with semolina for a slightly different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the almond and cream of wheat mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning.

- Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure that it sets properly.

- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or cinnamon for a decorative touch before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Halva Almond Dessert as a sweet ending to a Mediterranean-inspired meal, alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the almond and cream of wheat mixture over low heat to prevent burning.

- Stir the syrup mixture constantly while cooking to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

- Substitute the almonds with cashews or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Halva Almond Dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Halva Almond Dessert on a decorative platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Halva Almond Dessert with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of Turkish coffee for a delightful end to your meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Halva Almond Dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Halva Almond Dessert contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Halva Almond Dessert contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Halva Almond Dessert contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Halva Almond Dessert contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Halva Almond Dessert is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Halva Almond Dessert is a sweet treat that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a delicious indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.

Summary

Halva Almond Dessert is a delicious and nutty treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a rich and flavorful combination of sugar, honey, almonds, and cream of wheat, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Halva Almond Dessert. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her incredible baking skills, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

As we sat at the kitchen table sipping on tea, Maria suddenly exclaimed, "I have the most delicious recipe to share with you today, my dear friend! It's a family recipe for Halva Almond Dessert that has been passed down for generations."

Excited to learn something new, I eagerly watched as Maria gathered the ingredients and began to explain the steps to me. The process was intricate and required patience, but I was determined to master it.

First, Maria showed me how to toast the almonds until they were golden brown and fragrant. The aroma filled the kitchen and made my mouth water in anticipation. Next, we combined the toasted almonds with sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon in a large saucepan. As the mixture cooked, it thickened and turned into a rich, sticky paste.

I carefully stirred the mixture, making sure it didn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Maria watched me with a smile, knowing that I was fully immersed in the process of creating something delicious from scratch.

After the mixture had cooked to perfection, Maria poured it onto a baking sheet and smoothed it out with a spatula. The Halva Almond Dessert needed to cool and set before we could cut it into squares and serve it.

As we waited for the dessert to cool, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that Halva Almond Dessert was a traditional treat in her family, often made to celebrate special occasions and holidays. The recipe had been passed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother.

Listening to Maria's story, I felt a deep connection to the recipe and its history. I could imagine generations of women before me standing in their kitchens, stirring pots of Halva Almond Dessert and sharing laughter and love with their families.

When the dessert had finally cooled, Maria and I cut it into squares and plated it on a beautiful serving dish. The Halva Almond Dessert sparkled in the sunlight, its golden color and nutty aroma irresistible.

We sat at the kitchen table, savoring each bite of the sweet and nutty dessert. The almonds added a wonderful crunch, while the cinnamon and sugar melded together in a perfect harmony of flavors.

As I finished my last bite, I knew that this recipe for Halva Almond Dessert would become a beloved favorite in my own family. I thanked Maria for sharing her family's tradition with me and promised to pass it on to future generations.

Now, whenever I make Halva Almond Dessert for my grandchildren, I think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. I am grateful for the friendships and traditions that have enriched my life, and I look forward to creating many more delicious memories in the kitchen with my loved ones.