Halvah Balls

Halvah Balls Recipe - Traditional Arabian Dessert

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12 balls

Introduction

Halvah Balls are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These bite-sized balls are made with a combination of tahini, maple syrup, oat bran, wheat germ, and sesame seeds, creating a rich and flavorful snack that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Halvah, a sweet confection made from sesame seeds and honey, has been enjoyed for centuries in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. Halvah Balls are a modern twist on this classic treat, combining the traditional flavors of halvah with the added crunch of oat bran and wheat germ.

Ingredients

1 cup of tahini (sesame butter)
0.33 to 0.5 cup of maple syrup (depending on your preference for sweetness)
1 cup of raw oat bran
0.5 cup of raw wheat germ
1 cup of raw sesame seeds
0.5 cup of toasted sesame seeds

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat together the tahini and maple syrup using an electric mixer (or a wooden spoon, if you have strong arms).
Gradually add the oat bran, wheat germ, and raw sesame seeds while continuing to beat until the mixture reaches a very stiff dough-like consistency.
The mixture should be easy to roll into small golf ball-sized spheres without sticking to your fingers.
Adjust the amount of oat bran and wheat germ as needed, depending on the consistency of your tahini.
Roll the dough into slightly smaller than golf ball-sized spheres and coat them completely with toasted sesame seeds.
The spheres are now ready to be eaten.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle the balls with melted chocolate for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use raw sesame seeds for the dough and toasted sesame seeds for coating the balls for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of oat bran and wheat germ as needed to achieve the desired consistency of the dough.

- Store the Halvah Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Halvah Balls can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or served with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use an electric mixer to beat the tahini and maple syrup for a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Roll the dough into balls quickly to prevent it from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or agave nectar in place of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute almond or peanut butter for tahini if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Halvah Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Halvah Balls on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Halvah Balls with a glass of almond milk or a cup of herbal tea for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Halvah Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Halvah Balls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Halvah Balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Halvah Balls contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Halvah Balls contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Halvah Balls are a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Alergens

Halvah Balls contain sesame seeds and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Halvah Balls are a nutritious snack that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Halvah Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack that are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a combination of tahini, maple syrup, oat bran, wheat germ, and sesame seeds, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy them on their own or with a cup of tea for a delightful snack any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Halvah Balls. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just finished baking a batch of my famous apple pie. As I was putting away the ingredients, I stumbled upon an old, weathered cookbook that my mother had passed down to me. It was filled with handwritten notes and clippings from newspapers and magazines, a treasure trove of recipes that had been collected over the years.

Amongst the pages, I found a recipe for Halvah Balls. I had never heard of them before, but the ingredients intrigued me: sesame seeds, honey, and almonds. I knew right away that I had to try making them.

I decided to call up my dear friend Sarah, who was known for her expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine. She was delighted to hear from me and eagerly agreed to come over to help me make the Halvah Balls.

When Sarah arrived, she brought along a bag of freshly roasted sesame seeds and a jar of rich, golden honey. She explained to me that Halvah Balls were a traditional dessert in many Middle Eastern countries, made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor.

As we began to make the Halvah Balls, Sarah shared stories of her childhood in Lebanon, where her grandmother would make them for special occasions. She told me about how her grandmother would toast the sesame seeds until they were golden brown and fragrant, then mix them with honey and almonds to form small, bite-sized balls. The combination of nutty sesame seeds, sweet honey, and crunchy almonds was a match made in dessert heaven.

I watched as Sarah expertly toasted the sesame seeds in a dry skillet, stirring them constantly to prevent burning. The kitchen was filled with the warm, nutty aroma of the roasting seeds, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, Sarah mixed the toasted sesame seeds with the honey and crushed almonds, forming a sticky, sweet dough. She then rolled the dough into small balls and placed them on a baking sheet to set.

As we waited for the Halvah Balls to firm up, Sarah and I sipped on cups of hot tea and chatted about our shared love of cooking. She shared tips and tricks with me, teaching me the proper way to toast spices and how to balance flavors in a dish.

Finally, the Halvah Balls were ready. I eagerly popped one into my mouth, savoring the combination of flavors and textures. The nutty sesame seeds, sweet honey, and crunchy almonds all melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that was both simple and sophisticated.

From that day on, Halvah Balls became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and any occasion that called for a sweet treat. Each time I made them, I would think back to that chilly autumn afternoon when Sarah had introduced me to this delightful recipe.

As I sit here now, flipping through the pages of my old cookbook, I can't help but smile at the memories of making Halvah Balls with Sarah. Though she has since passed away, her legacy lives on in the recipes she shared with me. And every time I make a batch of Halvah Balls, I am reminded of the joy of cooking and the power of food to bring people together.