Halva

Most Halva made around the world has flour in it and the sweetener is usually heated to form sugar crystals. I actually like my version as it does not sit so heavily on my stomach. However this recipe will not hold together quite as well as a cooked one but still is an excellent item to make once a week and have it handy when hunger calls. I was introduced to Halva when I studied birds in Israel and Palestine in the late 1980’s. Their version is less sweeter than ones from other countries. My recipe is not raw as the coconut butter needs to be heated. If you can keep the heat below 40°C (104°F) then you are raw. I am not sure my stove top goes that low.

Ingredients:

• Sesame Seed (2 cups)
• Honey (3 tbs) Be sure you buy honey directly from a bee keeper, never from a store!
• Coconut butter (1/4 a cup)

Put the sesame seeds in a food processor and blend. Mine is not so strong so I have to run it for about 3 minutes. Stop every few seconds to scrap down the sides of the processor. A good food processor will turn the sesame seeds into Tahini (sesame paste). Some raw halva recipes on the net say to add tahini if your food processor cannot break down the seeds. Perhaps if I ran my machine for longer it would do it. But for me 3 minutes is enough electricity usage.

Melt the coconut on a stove until it is runny. This takes only a few seconds. Keep stirring the coconut or it will burn. Add the honey and melted coconut butter to the food processor and blend for 5 more seconds. Put the halva in any shape metal or aluminum pan. Some people like to line the pan with wax paper first. Use a potato masher to push the halva down tight. Thickness of the halva is up to you. I like thin, about 3 cm (1 inch). I keep this in the freezer uncovered until I want some. This hardens the halva. Normal Halva (cooked) or Halva made with a strong food processor can be keep in a refrigerator to harden.

If you have had halva from around the world you know that many things are added to it. The most common are Pistachios and dried coconuts. Start with this recipe and if you like it then go on the net and explore the worlds cuisne. Make some simple halva and tell me is this not tastier, healthier and cheaper than a factory made candy bar? Salud!