Omani Halwa
A rich, gelatinous sweet dessert made from a base of tapioca starch, sugar, ghee, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, rose water, and nuts. It's a labor-intensive but rewarding confection, often served with Omani coffee.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Tapioca flour
- 3.75 cups Water(3/4 cup for tapioca, 3 cups for sugar syrup)
- 2 cups Sugar
- 1 tbsp Ghee(plus more for greasing)
- 1 tbsp Rose water
- 1 pinch Saffron strands(soaked in 1 tbsp warm water)
- 0.25 tsp Ground cardamom
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Red food coloring(optional)
- 1 tbsp Roasted sesame seeds(for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Cashew nuts(roasted and chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Sliced almonds(roasted, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together tapioca flour and 3/4 cup water until smooth. Stir in red food coloring, if using. Set aside.
- 2
In a saucepan, combine 3 cups of water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 3
In a non-stick pan, heat the ghee over low flame. Gradually add the sugar syrup while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Slowly pour in the tapioca mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 15-20 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the saffron (with its soaking water), cardamom, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the halwa reaches a thick, gelatinous consistency.
- 6
Stir in the rose water. Pour the halwa into a greased serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds, chopped cashews, and sliced almonds.
💡 Tip: Constant stirring is essential to achieve the correct texture and prevent burning. - 7
Let the halwa cool completely before serving. It can be served at room temperature or chilled.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan for best results.
- ✓The consistency should be thick and glossy, pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- ✓Omani halwa is traditionally served with Omani coffee (kahwa).
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include date molasses for a deeper flavor.
- Other nuts like pistachios or walnuts can be used.