Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large non-stick skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the semolina and stir constantly for 10-12 minutes until it turns golden brown.
3. Add the sugar, water, raisins, cinnamon, and salt to the skillet and stir well.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the skillet.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
6. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and pour the mixture into the pan.
7. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface of the mixture.
8. Let the mixture cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
9. Once cooled, cut the helva into diamond shapes and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for toasting the semolina, low heat for cooking the mixture.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 32g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chopped nuts instead of raisins.
- You can use honey instead of sugar.
Variations:
- You can add chopped pistachios or almonds to the mixture for extra crunch.
- You can add orange zest or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the semolina constantly to avoid burning.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Let the helva cool completely before cutting it into diamond shapes.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the helva in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- You can reheat the helva in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the helva on a platter with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
- You can garnish the helva with chopped nuts or dried fruits.
Pairings:
- Serve the helva with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the helva with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little bit of water.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little bit of semolina.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the mixture thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food History:
- Saray helva is a traditional Turkish dessert that dates back to the Ottoman Empire.
Flavor Profiles:
- This dessert has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the helva as a dessert after a Turkish meal.
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Region: Turkish