Any fan of traditional Jewish sweets will tell you there’s no such thing as too much halva. Halva is one of the most delicious and sweetest traditional Jewish desserts you can try. It can keep for a long time in the freezer and is typically made using simple ingredients like sugar and tahini. It is a kosher dessert that complies with most dietary needs and tastes amazing when fresh or chilled.
The word ‘halva’ is actually derived from Arabic and translates to ‘sweetmeat.’ The dessert is believed to have originated in Turkey which was made using sugar-based candy and flour. When it spread throughout the Middle East and Asia, many people made their own variations using ingredients like seeds, ground nuts, semolina, and carrots.
The Jewish Halva we love and enjoy today was actually a sesame-based version usually enjoyed among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe. When Jews immigrated to New York in the early 20th century, they also brought over the recipe for traditional halva.
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The History of Halva
The first mention of halva was found in an Arabic book of the 13th century called Kitab al-Tabikh [The Book of Dishes]. It includes seven variations of halva, while another cookbook found from Moorish Spain around the same time shares a recipe for a sheet of candy made using sesame oil, honey, flour, and boiled sugar. Afterward, the candy is covered with rosewater, sugar, and ground pistachios, and another layer of candy is spread over it again.
The recipe used for making sesame tahini halva was passed down from Ottoman-ruled Romanians to Ashkenazi Jews. This version of the recipe made its journey to the USA in the early 20th century as Jews moved from Europe to the USA.
One young Jew from Kyiv, Ukraine, was one of the biggest promoters of the Jewish sesame halva. His name was Nathan Radutzky and in 1907, he made his first batch of halva in his garage and started an entrepreneurial venture from his back door. He sold this Jewish treat all around the city in pushcarts and grew his business little by little.
When his business began taking off, he started a small factory in Brooklyn to produce large batches of halva. He moved his production to a larger building called Independent Halvah & Candies, which still makes great halva to this day.
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Ingredients Used for Halva
The most commonly enjoyed halva by Jewish families during the holidays is the Israeli Tahini Halva. You may need to use a special tool to make this halva called an instant-read thermometer or a candy thermometer.
Otherwise, recipes on many Jewish websites for halva are quite straightforward and do not require any specific cooking equipment. The recipe for making Tahini halva has been present for over 3,000 years, and there are many variations you can try from.
You can change a few of the ingredients as per your liking and replace dried fruits or nuts with essences, vanilla, or coconut. The best thing about this type of halva is that it keeps well, so it is perfect for serving last-minute guests or as a treat for special occasions.
The ingredients mentioned below for Tahini halva’s recipe can help you achieve a good gooey textured halva. If you are experienced in making Israeli halva, you may be able to achieve some flakiness in your halva that comes with experience in candy making. Whether your halva is chewier or flakier, the taste is bound to be incredibly satisfying and delicious.
The ingredients you will need to make Israeli Tahini Halva are:
- Sugar (1 and 3/4 cups)
- Honey (1/2 cup)
- Water (1/2 cup)
- Tahini (16 oz.)
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp)
- Ground Cloves (1/8thtsp)
- Vanilla (1 and ½ tsp)
- Chocolate (3 oz.)
- Sesame Seed (1/2 cup)
How Is Halva Made?
The first step to making halva is to heat the honey in a pan on medium heat until the candy or instant-read thermometer indicates 240˚ F. To check if the soft ball stage of candy-making has been achieved, add a drop of hot honey to cold water.
When removed from the water, the honey should become a soft, sticky ball that flattens between your fingers. If the stage has been reached, place the honey aside to be used later.
Add the tahini to a different pot and heat it up to 120˚ F. Once the temperature has been reached, incorporate the tahini into the honey and use a wooden spoon to mix them together.
If you want to add nuts to your halva, you can chop them and sprinkle them in the mixture during this step. Continue mixing the halva until the mixture begins to stiffen. Add the hardening mixture to a well-greased pan that has a removable bottom.
Allow the halva to cool entirely at room temperature, and then wrap it with plastic film. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for up to 36 hours. This will let the sugar in the halva crystalize and give it a distinct texture and taste.
Once it has cooled, remove the bottom of the pan and cut the halva into small squares or triangles with a sharp knife.
You can store this halva in the fridge or keep it in the freezer to enjoy for months to come.
The Best Halva Brands
Joyva Vanilla Halvah Bars
If you are looking for traditional Halva with a taste of vanilla, you should try the delicious Joyva Vanilla Halvah bars. These delicious halvah bars are certified kosher and are made with sugar and tahini.
Joyva Vanilla Halvah Bars are rich in calories and protein and are a great gluten-free option. You can easily find them in Jewish delis near you or even buy them online.
Mighty Sesame TahiniBars with Pistachio
Mighty Sesame Tahinibars are an excellent dessert option if you want the traditional taste of halva on the go. These energy bars are made with sesame seeds and are topped with crunchy and wholesome pistachio. The best thing about these Tahini bars is that they are made of protein and fiber and only contain 100 calories per bar. Whether you want a quick snack or are craving something sweet, Mighty Sesame TahiniBars are dairy-free and certified kosher and can keep your cravings at bay.
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The Best Artisanal Halva
Halva Tahini Bar Mini Snacks
If you just want a quick sweet treat, these Achva Halva Tahini Bar Mini Snacks can be perfect for you. Every flavor of these mini bars is outstandingly delicious and contains simple ingredients like cocoa, vanilla, and pistachio.
With these mini treats, you can enjoy fresh halva candy that is made with premium quality sesame whenever you please. You can buy these Halva Tahini Bar Mini Snacks in select delis around you or buy them online easily.
Haddar by Baracke Premium Quality Vanilla Halva
Haddar by Baracke Premium Quality Vanilla Halva is one of the best artisanal halva brands you can try. This halva is made from high-quality Ethiopian sesame seeds and is an indulgent dessert on its own or as a snack. It is melt-in-the-mouth delicious and has a Mediterranean flair that works well with other dessert pairings as well. You can top your ice cream, cereal, or yogurt with this halva and enjoy its traditional sweet taste as you please.
How to Make Halva-homemade Halva-Kosher Pastry Chef
Halva is any of various dense, sweet confections made in the Middle East and Central and South Asia. It is also served in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Malta, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Jewish diaspora. In some Indian cultures, the dish is known as a soup-based sweet.
What Is Halva – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does halva last?
Halva can last up to four to six months when stored in a cool and dry place.
How long does halva last in the fridge?
Halva can keep well in the refrigerator without becoming oily or losing its crumbly texture for up to six months.
Is halva Persian?
There are different variations and types of halva based on the region. Aside from Jewish halva, there is also Persian, Greek, and Turkish halva that is enjoyed by people all over the world. These types of halva use different ingredients and methods of preparation.
Is sesame halva healthy?
Halva is not only delicious but also rich in protein, antioxidant nutrients, minerals, and various vitamins.
Is halva paleo?
Some versions of halva are paleo, and you can follow different recipes for halva according to your taste and liking.
Is halva pareve?
Halva is almost always pareve regardless of which type of seeds or fruits are used in it.
What is the difference between halva and halvah?
Israelis most commonly used the word ‘halvah’ for the Jewish dessert made with Tahini, while Indians called their version of halva “halva”, which is made using semolina.
Summary
If you are new to the world of Jewish desserts, after reading this article you should definitely understand what is halva and what its importance is in Jewish cuisine.
Jewish halva is one of the most revered traditional desserts that you can easily enjoy during Jewish holidays or special occasions.
Even if you cannot find traditional Tahini halva at a Jewish deli near you, you can easily make halva at home following the recipe mentioned above.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
