Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the semolina flour and stir constantly for about 10 minutes or until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Add the chopped pistachios, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt to the mixture and stir for another minute.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, and milk. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
6. Pour the honey mixture over the semolina mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish and smooth the surface with a spoon.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
10. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the halvaytar with honey.
11. Let it cool completely before cutting it into squares.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Serving size:
Makes 9-12 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 290
Total fat: 17g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use ghee instead of butter.
- You can use almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios.
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey.
Variations:
- You can add raisins or dried apricots to the mixture.
- You can add orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
- You can add rose water for a floral flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the semolina mixture constantly to prevent burning.
- You can use a non-stick baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brushing the top with honey adds a nice shine and sweetness to the halvaytar.
Storage instructions:
Store the halvaytar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the halvaytar in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the halvaytar on a platter and garnish with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey.
Garnishes:
Chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or yogurt.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the halvaytar is too dry, add a little bit of milk to the mixture before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and store the halvaytar properly to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Halvaytar is a traditional Turkish dessert made with semolina flour, butter, and sugar. It is usually served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays.
Flavor profiles:
The halvaytar has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of cardamom and cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the halvaytar as a dessert or a sweet snack.
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Region: Armenian