18 Best Turkish Halva Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!

Published on: Mar 8, 2024

Turkish halva, also known as "helva", is a popular and traditional dessert in Turkey. It has a rich history and has been enjoyed by generations of Turkish families. This delicious treat is made from simple ingredients such as sesame seeds, sugar, and butter, but the result is a sweet and satisfying dessert that is loved by many. If you're looking to try your hand at making the best Turkish halva, look no further! In this article, we will share with you the ultimate recipe for creating this delectable dessert in your own kitchen.

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Turkish Halva

Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Butter, Flour, Walnuts, Pistachio

Buy Turkish Floss Halva Toronto | Canada | United States | Ottawa ...

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Turkish Halva, also known as 'helva' or 'halawa', is a sweet dessert made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar. This traditional Turkish treat is often served at special occasions and is a popular snack among locals. It has a dense and crumbly texture, similar to fudge, and is usually topped with chopped nuts or dried fruits. The combination of nutty tahini and sweet sugar makes for a delicious and unique flavor that will have you coming back for more.

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Turkish Yogurt Cake

Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Superfine Sugar, Flour, Greek Yogurt

Turkish yogurt cake - Angela De Santis

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This moist and flavorful cake is a staple in Turkish cuisine. Made with yogurt, olive oil, and a touch of lemon, it is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. The yogurt adds a tangy flavor and keeps the cake moist, while the olive oil gives it a subtle richness. It's the perfect way to end a meal or enjoy as a midday snack. And the best part? It's so easy to make, you'll be whipping up this delicious cake in no time.

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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)

Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt

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Bazlama is a soft and fluffy flatbread that is a popular street food in Turkey. This version is made with Greek yogurt, giving it a rich and creamy texture. The addition of yogurt also makes the dough easier to work with and adds a slight tanginess to the bread. It's perfect for dipping into dips and spreads, or use it to make your own version of a Turkish wrap filled with your favorite ingredients. Once you try this homemade version, you'll never want to go back to store-bought flatbread again.

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Homemade Turkish Lahmacun

Main Ingredients: Flour, Yeast, Salt, Water, Olive Oil, Ground Beef

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Lahmacun or Turkish Meat Pies - Jo Cooks

Lahmacun, also known as Turkish pizza, is a popular dish in Turkey and the Middle East. It consists of a thin and crispy dough topped with a flavorful meat mixture and fresh herbs. This homemade version is made with a combination of ground lamb and beef, along with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. The result is a delicious and savory dish that will have you feeling like you're dining in a Turkish restaurant. Serve with a side of fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

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Turkish Gozleme with Minced Lamb

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Plain Greek Yogurt, Water

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Turkish Gozleme with Lamb - Jo Cooks

Gozleme is a traditional Turkish dish that is similar to a quesadilla. It consists of thin dough filled with a savory filling, folded over, and cooked on a griddle. This version is made with a minced lamb filling that is packed with flavor from herbs and spices like mint, parsley, and cumin. The dough is light and crispy, and the filling is juicy and tender. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack, and you can customize the filling to your liking.

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Turkish Bread

Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose

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Turkish bread, also known as 'ekmek', is a staple in Turkish cuisine. It has a crispy crust and a soft and chewy interior, making it perfect for dipping into sauces and soups or using as a base for sandwiches. This homemade version is made with just a few simple ingredients, including flour, water, yeast, and salt. It's easy to make and will elevate any meal with its delicious taste and texture.

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Starbucks Banana Bread

Main Ingredients: Bananas, Vegetable Oil, Egg, Vanilla Extract, Sugar

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Who doesn't love a slice of banana bread with their morning coffee? This copycat recipe for Starbucks' famous banana bread is even better than the original. It's moist, tender, and packed with banana flavor. The addition of Greek yogurt gives it a tangy flavor and helps keep it moist. And the best part? It's so easy to make at home, you'll never have to wait in line at Starbucks again.

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Perfect Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil

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Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. This recipe takes it to the next level with its perfectly moist and tender cake, topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. The secret to this perfect carrot cake is using finely grated carrots and adding a touch of orange zest to the batter. The result is a cake that is bursting with flavor and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

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Crepes

Main Ingredients: Milk, Flour, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Unsalted Butter

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Crepes are a delicate and versatile French dish that can be filled with both sweet and savory ingredients. This recipe for homemade crepes is easy to follow and results in thin and lacy crepes that are perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings. Whether you prefer a sweet crepe filled with Nutella and strawberries, or a savory crepe filled with ham and cheese, this recipe will have you feeling like a professional French chef.

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Salisbury Steak

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Egg, Tomato Paste, Yellow Mustard

Easy Homemade Salisbury Steak Recipe - Belly Full

Salisbury Steak - Made with Beef, Bison, Chicken or Turkey!

Salisbury steak is a comfort food classic that is perfect for a hearty dinner. This recipe elevates the traditional dish by using a homemade beef patty that is packed with flavor from Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion. The mushroom gravy is rich and savory, and the dish is topped with fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Easy Gooey Banana Bread

Main Ingredients: Bananas, Melted Butter, Sugar, Egg, Vanilla, Baking

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Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe - Hungry Lankan

Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe - BAKED by Blair

If you love gooey desserts, then this banana bread recipe is for you. It's made with a gooey chocolate center that oozes out when you take a bite. The combination of chocolate and banana is a match made in heaven, and the addition of Greek yogurt keeps the bread moist and tender. This recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas and will satisfy all your sweet cravings.

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The Perfect Banana Bread

Main Ingredients: Banana, Eggs, Buttermilk, Canola Oil, Vanilla Extract

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Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe - WonkyWonderful

This is not your average banana bread. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of sour cream, which keeps the bread moist and adds a tangy flavor. The bread is also filled with nuts and chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness. It's the perfect balance of flavors and will have you wanting to make this banana bread recipe over and over again.

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Irish Soda Bread

Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Butter, Currants

Irish Soda Bread Recipe (super easy!!) - Lauren's Latest

Irish Soda Bread Recipe with a Surprising Ingredient | Cupcake Project

Irish Soda Bread from favfamilyrecipes.com

Irish soda bread is a classic Irish recipe that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day you're craving a hearty and delicious bread. This recipe uses a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, along with baking soda and buttermilk, to create a bread that is dense and slightly sweet. It's perfect for serving with a hearty Irish stew or for toasting and slathering with butter and jam for breakfast.

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Brownies

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Eggs, Flour

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Brownies are a classic dessert that everyone loves. This homemade version is rich, fudgy, and easy to make. The addition of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, and the chopped nuts add a nice crunch. These brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit at any gathering or event.

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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Flour, Evaporated Milk, Half And Half

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Easy Recipe: Perfect Best Baked Mac And Cheese - Pioneer Woman Recipes ...

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this Southern-style version takes it to the next level. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a creamy and gooey texture, and the addition of a homemade cheese sauce makes it extra flavorful. Top it with some breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Amazing Chicken Quesadilla

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Salt

15-Minute Cheesy Easy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe - Homemade Mastery

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Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. This chicken quesadilla recipe is packed with flavor from a combination of spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the addition of cheese, peppers, and onions makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve with some guacamole and salsa for dipping and enjoy.

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Crusty Italian Bread

Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Brown Sugar, Salt, Olive Oil, Flour

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Homemade Italian Bread - Easy Crusty Italian Bread Recipe with Herbs

This homemade Italian bread is crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. It's perfect for making sandwiches or serving alongside a bowl of soup or pasta. The secret to this delicious bread is the long rise time, which allows the dough to develop a deep and complex flavor. It may take a bit of time, but the end result is worth it.

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Super Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Egg, Flour, Baking

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Baked by Rachel » Super Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

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There's nothing like a warm, soft, and chewy chocolate chip cookie straight out of the oven. This recipe will give you just that. The addition of cornstarch and an extra egg yolk makes these cookies extra soft and chewy. And the combination of butter and shortening gives them a rich and buttery flavor. They're perfect for enjoying with a glass of milk or for bringing to a potluck or party.

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Unbelievably Moist Banana Bread

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soft Margarine, Eggs, Flour, Buttermilk, Baking

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If you're a banana bread lover, you have to try this recipe. It's unbelievably moist and packed with flavor from ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. The addition of Greek yogurt and vegetable oil makes this banana bread extra moist and tender. It's perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a dessert topped with some whipped cream or ice cream.

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DIY Homemade Taco Seasoning

Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Salt, Ground Black Pepper

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Taco night just got even better with this homemade taco seasoning recipe. It's made with a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and can be customized to your liking by adjusting the heat level. This seasoning is perfect for seasoning ground beef or chicken for tacos, burritos, or even to add some flavor to a bowl of rice or quinoa. Say goodbye to store-bought taco seasoning and hello to homemade goodness.

Understanding the History of Turkish Halva

The Origins of Halva

The origins of Turkish halva can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was first made in the royal kitchens. It was considered a luxurious and indulgent dessert, often served at special occasions and celebrations. Over time, the recipe for halva spread to different regions of the Ottoman Empire, and today it is enjoyed not only in Turkey but also in many other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries.

The Evolution of the Recipe

As halva became more popular, different variations of the recipe emerged. Some regions added nuts, dried fruits, or aromatic spices to the basic recipe, creating unique and delicious flavors. In Turkey, the most popular type of halva is made from sesame seeds, while in other countries, it may be made from ingredients such as semolina or flour. Despite the variations, one thing remains consistent - the rich and sweet taste that makes Turkish halva so beloved.

Making the Best Turkish Halva

Ingredients you will need

To make the best Turkish halva, you will need sesame seeds, sugar, butter, and water. You can also add pistachios or almonds for an extra crunch and flavor. It is important to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.

The Recipe

1. Start by toasting 1 cup of sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until they turn golden brown and release their aroma. Remove from heat and let them cool. 2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves. 3. Once the sugar has dissolved, add in the toasted sesame seeds and 1/3 cup of butter. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. 4. If desired, add in 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor. 5. Remove from heat and let the halva cool for 5-10 minutes. 6. Transfer the halva to a greased dish and let it set in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 7. Once the halva is set, cut it into squares and serve.

In Conclusion

Making Turkish halva may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and recipe, it can be a simple and enjoyable process. The end result is a delicious and decadent dessert that will transport you to the streets of Istanbul with just one bite. Give this recipe a try and experience the rich flavors of traditional Turkish halva in the comfort of your own home.