Persian Halva Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

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Persian halva is a classic dessert made with pantry staples that you probably have on hand right now. Perfectly sweet with aromas of rose and saffron (you keep saffron on hand in your kitchen, right?), halva can be served cold or at room temperature.

Persian Halva Recipe (1)

When it comes to sweets and desserts, Persian cuisine has a lot to offer. From saffron ice cream and Persian love cake to khagineh (Persian sweet crepes with date syrup), our desserts are packed with flavors of saffron, cardamom and rosewater. Today's recipe is a classic Persian halva that's sweet and so comforting. Follow along to learn how to make this enchantingly easy dessert.

Table Of Contents:
  • About Persian Halva
  • Ingredients
  • How To Make Persian Halva
  • Serving Iranian Halva
  • Storage
  • Frequently asked questions
  • More Middle Eastern Desserts
  • Step-by-Step Recipe

About Persian Halva

Halva is a sweet treat that's popular across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. There are many varieties of halva including tahini halva, semolina halva, and flour halva - which is the variation we are talking about today.

In Iran, halva is usually made with wheat flour, butter, oil and saffron syrup, giving it a smooth and velvety texture that's thicker than kachi (halva pudding) with a medium to dark brown color. Iranians commonly serve Persian halva at funerals or during the month of Ramadan. Halva's traditional association with funerals probably comes from its sweetness and texture - it's simultaneously comforting and easy to swallow even if you're sobbing.

These days you can find many styles of halva in Iran; the one I'm showing you here is a pretty simple and basic version that you can make quickly with just a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Sugar: Granulated sugar would work best for this recipe and cannot be substituted with other sweeteners - I'd advise against trying to substitute brown sugar or stevia.
  • Saffron: A little bit goes a long way. You need to bloom ground saffron to flavor the syrup.
  • All purpose flour: This is the base of the halva. You need to toast the flour long enough to get rid of the raw smell and for the color to change to brown but not burnt. If desired, you can substitute half of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It's best to sift the flour prior to cooking.
  • Oil: Use vegetable or canola oil for this recipe, olive oil will not work for halva.
  • Butter: You need both butter and oil for halva to get that nice silky texture.
  • Toppings: This can vary depending on your preferences. My favorite toppings are ground pistachios, slivered almonds, edible rose and desiccated coconut.

How To Make Persian Halva

Persian Halva Recipe (3)
  1. Make the syrup: Place the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Add in the bloomed saffron and rosewater and cook for 3 more minutes. Turn the heat off and set the syrup aside.
  2. Toast the flour: Heat a large pan over medium heat and toast the flour for 20 to 25 minutes until it smells nutty and the color is light to medium brown.
  3. Butter and oil: Add in the butter and oil to the toasted flour and cook for 15 more minutes. This will form a roux that's smooth and has no lumps.
  4. Syrup: Slowly add the syrup and stir well using a wooden spoon until the halva comes together. The mixture will be sticky.
  5. Final mix: Set the spoon aside and start shaking the pan and tilting the halva from one side to the other until it separated from the pan and forms a roll.
  6. Plate and serve: Transfer to a plate and smoothen the top with an oiled spoon. Top with ground pistachios, desiccated coconut, edible rose and slivered almonds.

Serving Iranian Halva

As I mentioned above, halva is usually served in the month of Ramadan or at funerals with Persian tea. There are many ways to serve Persian halva, including on a plate as shown here or between wafer sheets so that it's easy to pick up.

Storage

Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Its's best to let the halva come to room temperature before serving.

I don't recommend freezing halva since the texture would change and the syrup might crystalize.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave out the saffron?

Saffron adds a lot of flavor to this dish so I strongly recommend using it. However, if it's not available, leave it out but keep the rosewater for flavor and aroma.

Can I make halva ahead of time?

Yes, you can make halva up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Is this recipe the same as semolina halva?

Semolina halva is very different from flour halva in flavor and texture. I'll be publishing a semolina halva recipe in the near future!

Persian Halva Recipe (5)

More Middle Eastern Desserts

  • Revani Cake (Turkish Semolina Cake)
  • Baklava Recipe
  • Walnut Filled Persian Pastry - Qottab
  • Persian Love Cake Recipe

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Persian Halva Recipe (10)

Persian Halva Recipe

Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Persian halva is a classic dessert made with pantry staples that you probably have on hand right now. Perfectly sweet with aromas of rose and saffron (you keep saffron on hand in your kitchen, right?), halva can be served cold or at room temperature.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Persian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 309 kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ tsp ground saffron
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp rosewater
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • cup vegetable oil

Toppings

  • desiccated coconut
  • edible rosebuds
  • ground pistachios
  • slivered almonds

Instructions

  • Sprinkle the ground saffron on 2 cubes of ice and let it melt at room temperature. This will be your bloomed saffron.

  • Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium high heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add in the saffron and rosewater, then simmer for 5 more minutes. Turn the heat off and set it aside.

  • Place a large pan over medium heat and toast the flour for 20 to 25 minutes until it smells nutty and the color is light to medium brown.

  • Add in the butter and oil to the toasted flour and cook for 15 more minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.

  • Gradually add the syrup and mix well using a wooden spoon until the halva comes together. The mixture will be sticky. Set the spoon aside and start shaking the pan and tilting the halva from one side to the other until it separated from the pan and forms a roll.

  • Transfer the halva to a plate and smoothen the top with the back of an oiled spoon. Top with ground pistachios, desiccated coconut, edible rose and slivered almonds.

Video

Notes

  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Let the halva come to room temperature before serving.
  • Saffron adds a lot of flavor to this dish, however, if it's not available, leave it out and use rosewater.
  • Toasting the flour could take up to 30 minutes depending on the heat and the flour. Make sure not to turn the heat up so it won't burn.
  • You can use ½ cup all purpose flour and ½ cup whole wheat flour if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 262IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!

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  • Toot (Persian Marzipan Recipe)
  • Saffron Rice
  • Tahdig Recipe (Persian Crispy Rice)

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Persian Halva Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Persian halva made of? ›

In Iran, halva (Persian: حلوا) usually refers to a related confection made from wheat flour and butter and flavored with saffron and rose water. The final product has a yellow color or brown color or dark brown color. The halva is spread thin on a plate till it dries into a paste.

How long does Persian halva last? ›

Make-Ahead and Storage

The cooked carrot halva can be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

What is the difference between halva and halvah? ›

The sweet's spellings are as numerous as its origins: Egyptians call it “halawa,” while Indians drop the final "h" and name it “halva.” Regardless of what you call it, what is certain is that the word derives from the Arabic word, “halwa,” which means “sweet confection.” This versatile, rich ingredient has spread ...

What are the two types of halva? ›

Halva can come in two forms: one is flour-based, the other nut-based. The one I've been interested to try is the latter and made of sesame seeds. It's basically sesame paste that's mixed with hot sugar syrup to form a candy or confection.

Why is halva so expensive? ›

The price of the Halva is efected directly by the ingredients we use to make it. We use the best Tahini (cost 5 times more then an avarage one), we use real Belgian chocolates, we use the best green pistachio in the market, and we do so also with all of the other ingredients.

Why do Muslims make halva? ›

Halva is made by ethnic Muslims for religious and family occasions such as birth rites, weddings, funerals and circumcisions (suennet). These rituals include most of the village population.

Can halvah go bad? ›

How long does halva last? Does it need to be refrigerated? Halva lasts for 4-6 months when stored in a cool, dry place, but we hope you eat your halva before then! Halva does not require refrigeration for food safety reasons.

How much halva can you eat? ›

Enjoy halva in moderation.

Although it may not seem like you are eating a lot, consuming more than ten small pieces or thin slices in one sitting may give you a stomach ache.

Do Jews eat halva? ›

Halvah is really the epitome of Jewish cuisine.

Is halva full of sugar? ›

Anyway, keep in mind that halva should be used moderately due to its high sugar content. Up to 30 g per day should be enough, according to various sources. Hopefully, that summarized halva nutrition information will help you enjoy this divine treat in a reasonable way.

Which country is known for halva? ›

The name is derived from the Arabic word “halwa,” meaning “sweetmeat,” and is believed to have originated in Turkey as a flour- and sugar-based candy.

What is the king of halwa? ›

The King of Halwa's – Moong Daal Halwa.

Why is my halva chewy? ›

For one thing, halvah is made with soapwort, which gives it that characteristic chewy/foamy/moist-chalky texture that is so unique and special.

What is diabetic halva? ›

This product uses natural sweeteners like sorbitol and maltitol which are also known as fruit sugar instead of sugar and glucose which forms an appropriate fiber and also a soft sweet taste.

Do you eat halva with bread? ›

Not to mention the experience: melt-in-your-mouth, sweet-meets-savoury, textural-yet-smooth and utterly addictive. For the well-versed, halva begins with childhood, when it's eaten by the spoonful from the cupboard or smeared onto warm bread as a snack – like Nutella. was adapted with local semolina and ghee.

What is halva made of? ›

Halva is a traditional Middle Eastern fudge-like confection made with tahini (sesame seed paste), sugar, spices and nuts. In fact, the Arabic word halva translates to “sweetness.” Halva's semisweet, nutty flavor and crumbly, fluffy texture are what make it a uniquely delicious treat.

Why is halva healthy? ›

A Source of Healthy Fats

Sesame seeds, the main ingredient in traditional Halva, offer a significant amount of unsaturated fats. These healthy fats are known to promote heart health by reducing elevated levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol.

What's the difference between nougat and halva? ›

Halva is probably one of the oldest sweets in the world, and nougat shares its genuinity and its real, authentic flavour. The difference is that halva is made either with a flour base or a nut butter base, whilst nougat uses egg whites to achieve its chewiness and mellow, creamy mouthfeel.

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