Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sesame halva with pistachios recipe. Traditional middle eastern sweets. Jewish, turkish, arabic national dessert. Turkish delight.
Photo credit jchizhe via Getty Images

Pistachio Halvah

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Persian Jews honor Purim with halvah, a soft, tahini-based candy adapted from ancient recipes, traditionally eaten after the Fast of Esther and beloved for its rich connection to Queen Esther’s story.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 20 squares

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup tahini
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Adult with child: In a frying pan, brown the flour over low heat for about 20
    minutes, watching constantly and stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Remove the pan from the heat.
  2. Child: To the flour, add the tahini, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and all but a
    tablespoon of the oil. With the pan still off the heat, stir for about 5 minutes,
    keeping the mixture a light-brown color.
  3. Adult with child: Add 1 cup of water and reheat, whisking for 2-3 minutes, until the halvah thickens.
  4. Remove from the heat and cover the pan for a few minutes. Fold in the pistachios or walnuts.
  5. Child: Using the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, grease an 8-inch square pan. Then scoop the mixture into the pan, spreading out well.
  6. Child: Let the mixture cool completely in the refrigerator and then cut it into small squares.
  • Author: Joan Nathan
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Quick
  • Cuisine: Holiday