Confectionery | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Halvah

Sesamum indicum (main ingredient) Allergens: Sesame, Tree Nuts (often added)
Halvah

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Pedaliaceae (for sesame)
  • Primary Cuisine Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Eastern European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sesame seeds, Sugar

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A dense, sweet confection popular in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, primarily made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar, often with nuts or flavorings.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Nutty (Sesame), Slightly bitter
TextureCrumbly, Dense, Flaky, Melt-in-mouth
AromaToasted sesame, Sweet, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1 oz)
Calories516 kcal
Total Fat30.0 g
Saturated Fat4.8 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein14.0 g
Total Carbohydrate48.0 g
Dietary Fiber6.0 g
Total Sugars40.0 g
Calcium200 mg
Iron3.5 mg
Potassium400 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a gourmet dessert, crumble halvah over ice cream, yogurt, or use as a unique crust for tarts. It melts beautifully into baked goods.

Substitutions

Best Match

Tahini Fudge

1:1

Homemade option providing similar sesame flavor and dense texture, customizable sweetness.

Marzipan

1:1 (volume)

Similar dense, sweet, and moldable confection, but with almond flavor instead of sesame.

Turkish Delight

1:1 (volume)

Different texture (gelatinous) but similar sweet, traditional confection often with nuts.

Peanut Brittle

1:1 (volume)

For a hard, nutty, sweet confection, if sesame isn't essential.

Buying Guide

Look for fresh, pliable blocks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent drying out.

Flavor Pairings

Coffee tea dark chocolate pistachios citrus honey.