Desserts > Middle Eastern Desserts > Halva

Halvaytar with Dates and Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add the semolina and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown.

4. Add the sugar, water, milk, and salt to the saucepan and stir until the sugar dissolves.

5. Add the chopped walnuts, dates, and ground cardamom to the saucepan and stir well.

6. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.

7. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

10. Cut into squares or diamonds and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Total fat: 20g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total carbohydrates: 63g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 42g
Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use ghee instead of unsalted butter.
- You can use pistachios instead of walnuts.
- You can use raisins instead of dates.

Variations:
- You can add rose water or orange blossom water for flavor.
- You can add saffron for color and flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Stir constantly while cooking the semolina to prevent it from burning.
- Use a non-stick saucepan to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.
- You can add more or less sugar according to your taste.

Storage instructions:
- Store the halvaytar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the halvaytar in the microwave or oven until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the halvaytar with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruits.

Pairings:
- Serve the halvaytar with a cup of tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the halvaytar with fresh fruit or a salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add more milk or water.
- If the mixture is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients.
- Wash your hands and utensils before cooking.

Food history:
- Halvaytar is a traditional Turkish dessert made with semolina, sugar, and milk.

Flavor profiles:
- The halvaytar has a nutty and sweet flavor with a hint of cardamom.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the halvaytar as a dessert or a snack.

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Region: Iranian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Sticky, Caramelized