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halwa recipe (halwa in a bowl)
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4.29 from 7 votes

Halwa Recipe (Assyrian Halva)

A sweet Assyrian treat, Halwa is prepared with a mixture of butter, flour, and date molasses.
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Assyrian
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories: 78kcal

Ingredients

  • sticks unsalted butter (12 Tablespoons)
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup date molasses
  • 3 Tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Melt butter and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Gradually add flour, while stirring over medium heat for 5 additional minutes.
  • Continue to stir until the mixture turns dark tan in color. This should take approximately 20 minutes.
  • Mix date molasses and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Carefully pour the molasses into the roux (flour and butter mixture). Mix thoroughly until completely combined. There should be no streaks of light and dark colors. The mixture should be a solid brown color.
  • Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or other dish. Press down firmly to pack the halwa using a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon.
  • Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or other small pan.
  • Press down firmly to pack the halwa using a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon.
  • Cut into 1"-2" portions using a knife. Cool completely before serving. 
  • The traditional way to serve halwa is with tea/chai.

Notes

  • I halved the original recipe found in my cookbook. If you want to make more, double the recipe.
  • The halwa should be approximately 1" thick. Use a pan that will allow you to achieve this thickness. If the pan is too large the halwa will not be thick enough.
  • If the halwa doesn't come out as thick as you'd like, just reheat it briefly in the same saucepan then add to a smaller pan or dish.
  • Halwa is usually even darker in color. I used homemade Date Molasses that was not as dark as store-bough molasses. If you want the color to be darker, use this Date Molasses.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 65mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g