Halawa
Egyptian Sesame Confection
A classic Egyptian sweet treat made from tahini and sugar, often studded with pistachios. This dense, chewy confection is a popular snack or breakfast item.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Tahini(Use good quality, smooth tahini for the best flavor and texture.)
- 400 g Granulated Sugar
- 200 ml Water
- 50 g Pistachios(Shelled and roughly chopped. You can toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to boil without stirring until the syrup reaches the 'hard ball' stage, which is approximately 135-140°C (275-285°F). This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy. The syrup should be thick and form a firm ball when dropped into ice-cold water.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 2
Gently warm the tahini: While the syrup is cooking, pour the tahini into a separate, clean bowl. If your tahini is very thick, you can gently warm it slightly in a very low oven (around 50°C/120°F) or over a double boiler for about 5 minutes, just until it's pourable and slightly looser. Be careful not to cook or overheat the tahini, as this can alter its flavor.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine syrup and tahini: Once the sugar syrup reaches the hard ball stage, carefully and slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream into the warmed tahini. Simultaneously, begin to beat the mixture vigorously with a sturdy whisk or an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 10-15 minutes. The mixture will transform from a liquid state to a thick, pale, and slightly grainy paste. It should become cohesive and start to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Incorporate vanilla and nuts: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, fold in the chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly throughout the halawa mixture. Immediately pour the halawa into a prepared mold or serving dish. You can line a rectangular tin with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the halawa down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure it's compact.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Set the halawa: Allow the halawa to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm and set. Once set, cut into squares or desired shapes.
⏱️ 4+ hours setting
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The temperature of the sugar syrup is critical for the final texture of the halawa. Ensure it reaches the hard ball stage.
- ✓There are many regional and personal variations of halawa; feel free to experiment with different nuts or spices.
- ✓Halawa is traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast item, often served with bread, or as a sweet snack.
- ✓For easier handling, lightly grease your hands or a spatula when pressing the halawa into the mold.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the tahini mixture for a chocolate halawa.
- Substitute pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or even sesame seeds.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for an aromatic twist.