Turkish · Dessert
Un Helvası with Pine Nuts
Un helvası is a pan-roasted Turkish flour halva made by toasting flour in butter with pine nuts until deeply nutty, then binding it with a simple milk syrup and steaming it under a towel until it turns grainy and rich. It is a humble, often funeral-associated sweet in Turkish homes, but equally served at celebrations, prized for its toasty, caramel-like depth rather than overt sweetness.
$1
8 minsPrep
18 minsCook
36 minsTotal
MediumLevel
Nutrition per serving
223Calories
3.2gProtein
13.4gFat
23.8gCarbs
9.8gSugar
0.7gFiber
69mgSodium
23mgChol
5.7gSat Fat
78mgPotassium
18mgCalcium
1.2mgIron
0.1mcgVitamin B12
0.1mgVitamin C
0gPolyol
0gAllulose
0gAlcohol
Goes well with
Raki
local
Turkish Coffee
international
vegetarian
sweet-spot
all-time-classics
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over low-medium heat, then add the sifted flour and toasted pine nuts.
2
Roast the flour mixture continuously, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 12-15 minutes until it turns a deep golden-amber colour and smells distinctly nutty - do not let it catch or darken past amber.
3
Meanwhile, in a small pan combine the sugar, milk and water and bring to a simmer until the sugar fully dissolves, then keep warm.
4
Off the heat, carefully pour the warm milk syrup into the roasted flour mixture in one go, standing back as it will bubble and spit.
5
Stir vigorously and constantly until the mixture is fully absorbed and comes together into a thick, grainy mass, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Return the pan to the lowest heat for 1 minute, stirring, then cover with a clean kitchen towel and the lid, and let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes to steam and firm up.
7
Fluff the helva gently with a fork, then press into a small 10x10cm tray or shape into 4 even mounds by hand.
8
Scatter the reserved whole pine nuts over the top, pressing lightly so they stick, and leave to cool to room temperature before serving.
Serves
2 portions ·
2 adults, 0 over 10, 0 under 10
Ingredients
- 35g35g All Purpose Flour, sifted
- 20g20g Butter, melted
- 10g10g Pine Nut, lightly toasted
- 18g18g Sugar White
- 20g20g Whole Milk, warmed
- 15g15g Water
- 4g4g Pine Nut, whole, for garnish, 1
