Description

Helva is a classic sweet made from toasted semolina slowly cooked with butter and sweetened syrup until rich, fragrant, and spoon-soft. Popular across the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, and surrounding regions, this comforting dessert is known for its nutty aroma, warm texture, and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Helva

1 cup semolina
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups water or milk
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

¼ cup pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp orange zest

For Garnish

Chopped nuts
Cinnamon
Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Syrup

In a saucepan, combine water (or milk) and sugar.
Bring to a gentle simmer until sugar dissolves.
Keep warm on low heat.

2. Toast the Semolina

In a heavy pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add semolina and stir constantly.
Cook 8–10 minutes until golden brown and nutty in aroma.
Stir in nuts if using.

3. Combine

Carefully pour warm syrup into the toasted semolina (it will bubble).
Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan.
Reduce the heat to low and cook 2–3 minutes more.

4. Rest

Remove from heat, cover, and let rest 10 minutes to set.

5. Serve

Spoon into bowls or mold into shapes.
Garnish with nuts or cinnamon and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Stir constantly to prevent burning while toasting semolina.
Milk creates a creamier helva; water gives a lighter texture.
Pine nuts are traditional, but any nut works well.

Prep Time: PT05M
Cook Time: PT15M
Category: Desserts
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

Serving Size: ½ cup
Calories: 340 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg