If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dessert to impress your guests or treat yourself, look no further than Turkish Tahini Helva! This traditional sweet treat is perfect for any occasion, with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tahini and sugar creates a unique and indulgent taste.
- Quick prep time: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of Turkish Tahini Helva ahead of time for a sweet treat throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cooking spray: Used to prevent sticking during the cooking process.
- Tahini or sesame paste: Provides a nutty and creamy base for the dessert.
- Shelled pistachios (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Water: Helps to dissolve the sugar and create a syrup.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dessert and creates a smooth consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Add the tahini and pistachios (if using) to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, combine water and sugar, and cook until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens.
- Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the tahini mixture, stirring constantly until well combined.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning.
- For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the helva.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Swap out the pistachios for almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality tahini for the best flavor.
- Toast the pistachios before adding them to the pan for a deeper flavor.
- Allow the helva to cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Experiment with different levels of sweetness to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Turkish Tahini Helva pairs perfectly with a cup of Turkish coffee or a glass of tea. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover helva, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to restore the creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use honey instead of sugar in this recipe?
- While honey can be used as a sweetener, it will alter the flavor and texture of the helva.
- How long does Turkish Tahini Helva last?
- Stored properly, helva can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze Turkish Tahini Helva?
- It is not recommended to freeze helva as it may lose its creamy texture.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for Turkish Tahini Helva, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy this sweet and nutty dessert on its own or with your favorite beverage. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how it turned out!
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Turkish Tahini Helva Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Turkish Tahini Helva recipe is a traditional dessert made with tahini, sugar, and water, topped with optional pistachios for added flavor and texture. It’s a sweet and nutty treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 16 ounces tahini or sesame paste about 1 3/4 cups
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, optional
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound sugar, about 2 1/4 cups
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and measure them out.
- Mix Tahini and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine tahini and sugar until well mixed.
- Add Water: Slowly add water while stirring continuously until a smooth paste forms.
- Cook Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a pan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Add Pistachios: If using, sprinkle optional pistachios on top before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg