Traditional Semolina Halva

Indulge in the comforting sweetness of **Traditional Semolina Halva**, a classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dessert that combines rich flavors and a luscious texture in every bite. This aromatic recipe features golden-roasted semolina infused with a warm spiced syrup made from cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla, creating a delicate balance of earthy and sweet notes. Toasted almonds and plump raisins add delightful texture and bursts of flavor, elevating this humble dessert into a truly special treat. Creamy milk and butter create a velvety consistency, while a final rest allows the halva to set perfectly for serving warm or shaped into elegant diamond pieces. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert with minimal prep or a nostalgic dish filled with tradition, this semolina halva is as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods
• 0.5 cup almonds
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 1 pinch pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine 2.5 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 cardamom pods. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 2

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 3

In a separate large pan, melt 0.5 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Add 1 cup of semolina to the melted butter, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Roast the semolina for about 10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.

Step 5

While roasting the semolina, lightly toast 0.5 cup of almonds in a small dry pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until lightly browned, then chop them roughly.

Step 6

Add 0.25 cup of raisins to the pan with the semolina and butter, stirring them in to soften the raisins slightly.

Step 7

Slowly and carefully pour the warm syrup into the semolina mixture, stirring constantly. Watch for splattering.

Step 8

Add 1 cup of milk and a pinch of salt, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 9

Once thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped almonds evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 10

Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and lid, and let it sit for about 10 minutes to set.

Step 11

After resting, fluff the halva with a fork. Serve warm or let cool completely and cut into diamond shapes for serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1410.3 grams (1410.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2592

Total Fat 91.40g	117%
Saturated Fat 33.70g	169%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 146mg	49%
Sodium 279mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate 399.80g	145%
Dietary Fiber 21.10g	75%
Total Sugars 241.10g
Protein 48.30g	97%

Vitamin D 107IU	537%
Calcium 643mg	49%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 1109mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.5%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 61.2%