A dense sweet of sesame or semolina — a Greek fasting treat.
The ritual
Halva
-
1
The base
Made from sesame paste (tahini) or toasted semolina.
-
2
Sweet syrup
Bound with a sugar or honey syrup.
-
3
Add-ins
Often with nuts, raisins or cinnamon.
-
4
Set & slice
Cooled and cut into dense, crumbly pieces.
A journey through time
Halva
-
✦
A word from Arabia
The name “halva” comes from the Arabic word for “sweet”.
-
✦
A fasting treat
In Greece the semolina version is popular during fasting periods.
-
dziś
A taste of the Balkans
It links Greece, the Balkans and the Middle East in one sweet.
Good to know
Often vegan
Sesame versions usually contain no dairy.
Two schools
Greek halva is either tahini- or semolina-based — two different treats.
Dense & satisfying
A small piece is enough to satisfy a sweet craving.
See also
Sweet Greece