There are varieties of halva in the Middle East but this one is a Persian-style with saffron, rose water, and cardamom with a soft texture that melts in you mouth. Decorate as desired with almonds and pistachios. Serve it at room temperature.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 16 mins
Total Time: 46 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup white sugar
- ¼ cup rose water
- ⅓ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 pinch saffron
- ½ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Steps
- Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small pot, stirring until sugar dissolves into a syrup. Stir rose water, cardamom, and saffron into the syrup. Reduce heat to low; cover to keep syrup hot.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour until mixture is a smooth paste, about 1 minute. Cook, stirring constantly, until paste turns brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove flour mixture from heat. Whisk in hot syrup gradually until syrup is completely absorbed and mixture is the consistency of a smooth, soft paste, at least 4 minutes.
- Spread mixture in a shallow bowl. Cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
