19 Traditional Turkish Halva Recipe You Must Try Them!

Published on: Mar 10, 2024

Turkish halva, also known as helva or halawa, is a popular and delicious dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This traditional treat is made from simple ingredients including flour, sugar, and butter, but the result is a rich and indulgent confection that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Turkish halva and share a mouth-watering recipe for you to try at home.

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Turkish Halva

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

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Starting off our list is a classic Turkish dessert, halva. This sweet treat is made from sesame paste, sugar, and nuts, and is often served during special occasions. The addition of ground pistachios gives this recipe a unique flavor and texture that is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

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Halva & Turkish Delight Almond Milk

Main Ingredients: Almonds, Water, Large Strawberries, Medjool Dates

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Turkish Flour Halva Recipe - Pastry & Beyond

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This refreshing and creamy drink is a perfect accompaniment to any barbecue meal. Made with almond milk, halva, and Turkish delight, this beverage is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.

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Semolina Halva with Turkish Ice Cream

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Canola Oil, Semolina, Pine Nuts

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This twist on traditional halva incorporates Turkish ice cream, also known as dondurma, for a unique and delicious dessert. The creamy texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the semolina halva, creating a mouthwatering and indulgent treat.

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Cherry Turkish Taffy

Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter

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For a fun and playful twist on taffy, try this recipe that incorporates cherry juice and almond extract for a unique flavor. The addition of cherry chunks gives this taffy a burst of fruity sweetness that is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)

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

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This simple and delicious flatbread is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a base for your favorite dips and spreads. Made with Greek yogurt, this flatbread has a tangy and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs and olive oil used in the dough.

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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced

Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs) | Recipe in 2021 | Breakfast brunch ...

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This flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in Turkish cuisine. Made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or as a side dish for your barbecue feast.

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Greek Halva | Pistachio and Almond Halva

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Semolina Flour, Pistachios, Almond Slivers

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This traditional Greek dessert is made with a combination of semolina, sugar, and honey for a rich and indulgent treat. The addition of pistachios and almonds gives this halva a nutty and crunchy texture that is sure to please any sweet tooth.

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Turkish Gozleme with Minced Lamb

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

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This savory and flavorful dish is made with a thin dough filled with a mixture of minced lamb, spices, and vegetables. Grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal that will impress your guests with its delicious and unique flavors.

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Turkish Cacik

Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cucumbers, Chopped Walnuts, Fresh Dill

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This refreshing and cooling dip is perfect for hot summer days. Made with creamy yogurt, cucumbers, and mint, this dip pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a topping for your favorite flatbread. It's also a great way to add some healthy probiotics to your meal.

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Turkish Bread

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

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No barbecue is complete without some delicious bread to soak up all the flavors from your grilled meats. This traditional Turkish bread is made with yeast, flour, and olive oil for a soft and fluffy texture that is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces and spreads.

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Turkish Kunefe (Künefe)

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Shredded Phyllo Dough, Cheese, Butter

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Kunefe: 7.5/10 Kunefe is a unique dessert from the Middle East. It is ...

This unique and indulgent dessert is made with layers of shredded phyllo dough, melted butter, and cheese. Topped with a sweet and sticky syrup, this dessert is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.

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Turkish Eggs

Main Ingredients: Plain Greek Yogurt, Garlic, Fresh Dill, Butter, Aleppo

My Favorite Summertime Breakfast: Turkish Eggs with Yogurt

Turkish Eggs with Spiced Chickpeas & Homemade Naan - The Original Dish

This simple and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch. Made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers, this dish is packed with protein and flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Turkish Potatoes & Chickpeas

Main Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Sea Salt, Tomato

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Buffalo Chickpea Sweet Potatoes - Peas And Crayons | Recipe | Picky ...

Turkish Chickpea Stew with Dried Apricots - SimpleFitVegan

This hearty and filling dish is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy and delicious side dish. Made with potatoes, chickpeas, and tomatoes, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a main dish for a vegetarian meal.

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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)

Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt

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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)

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the Old Curiosity Shop: Red Lentil Balls a.k.a. Mercimek Koftesi

These flavorful and protein-packed lentil balls are a great alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with red lentils, bulgur, and spices, these balls are perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthier option for their barbecue feast.

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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic

Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground

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Doner Kebab Meat - beef or lamb | RecipeTin Eats

No list of Turkish recipes would be complete without the classic doner kebab. This homemade version is made with marinated beef and spices, and can be grilled on skewers or cooked in a rotisserie. Serve it with some flatbread and your favorite toppings for a delicious and authentic Turkish meal.

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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)

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

Bazlama Is Turkish Flatbread - The Tortilla Channel

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This simple and versatile flatbread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite dips and spreads. Made with flour, yeast, and olive oil, this bread is soft and chewy with a crispy crust. It's also great for making sandwiches or using as a base for pizza.

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Rosewater Turkish Delight

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice, Corn Starch, Cream Of

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This classic Turkish candy is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Made with gelatin, rosewater, and cornstarch, these sweet and chewy treats are a popular dessert in Turkish cuisine. Serve them as a sweet ending to your barbecue feast.

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Halva Brownies

Main Ingredients: Halva, Water, Brownies

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For a unique and indulgent twist on traditional brownies, try this recipe that incorporates halva into the batter. The addition of this sweet and nutty ingredient gives these brownies a delicious and unexpected flavor that is sure to impress.

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Turkish Eggplant Casserole with Tomatoes (Imam Bayildi)

Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion

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This flavorful and healthy casserole is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter option for their barbecue. Made with eggplant, tomatoes, and spices, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a vegetarian meal.

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Marble Halva

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Salt, Cold Water, Sesame Tehini

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This stunning and delicious dessert is perfect for impressing your guests with its unique and beautiful appearance. Made with chocolate and vanilla halva, this dessert is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little bit of chocolate in their sweets.

The Origin of Turkish Halva

The Early Beginnings

The origins of Turkish halva can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was considered a royal delicacy and served at palace banquets. It was believed that the dessert was first introduced by the Persians, who used semolina flour and honey to create a similar sweet known as "halva ardeh." As the Ottoman Empire expanded, so did the popularity of halva, and it eventually became a staple in Turkish cuisine.

The Evolution of the Recipe

Over time, different regions in Turkey developed their own variations of halva, using different ingredients and techniques. In the eastern part of the country, tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, was added to the recipe, giving the dessert a nutty and creamy texture. In the Black Sea region, cornmeal was used instead of flour, resulting in a lighter and crumblier halva.

The Traditional Turkish Halva Recipe

Now, let's take a look at how you can make this delectable dessert at home. Flour, sugar, and butter are the main ingredients needed for this recipe, but you can also add some nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for extra flavor and texture. Some variations also call for rose water or orange zest for a hint of floral or citrusy notes. The key to making the perfect halva lies in the technique, so make sure to follow the instructions closely.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp rose water or orange zest (optional)

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and stir continuously until it turns golden brown.
In a separate saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the flour mixture, stirring continuously until well combined.
If using, add the nuts and rose water/orange zest and mix well.
Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a greased pan, smoothing out the surface with a spatula.
Let it cool and set for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.

In Conclusion

Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, traditional Turkish halva is a sweet treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. Its rich history and various regional variations make it a beloved part of Turkish culture and a must-try for anyone looking to explore the country's cuisine. So why not add this delicious and easy-to-make dessert to your recipe repertoire today?