How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute walnuts?

Yes, almonds or pistachios work well as substitutes.

Is there a vegan version?

Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of cow’s milk.

Can I use dried pomegranate seeds?

Fresh seeds are preferred for juiciness, but dried seeds can be used if soaked briefly in water.

Bejeweled Turkish Walnut Helva with Pomegranate and Orange Essence

Name: Bejeweled Turkish Walnut Helva with Pomegranate and Orange Essence
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup semolina flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup walnuts; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds; 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

A Lush Turkish Delight

Experience the rich textures and flavors of Turkish walnut helva enhanced by the vibrant tones of pomegranate jewels and aromatic orange essence.

1 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Helva Base

1 cup semolina flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 cups whole milk

For the Nut Mixture

1 cup walnuts

toasted and coarsely chopped

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Pomegranate Essence

1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

2 tbsp pomegranate molasses

For the Orange Essence

Zest of 1 large orange

finely grated

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preparation

Preparing the Nut Mixture

Chop Walnuts

Chop toasted walnuts coarsely.

Combine with Cinnamon

Combine the walnuts with ground cinnamon.

Set Aside

Set aside for later use.

Preparing the Essence

Prepare Pomegranate Essence

Combine fresh pomegranate seeds with molasses.

Prepare Orange Essence

Grate the orange and combine zest with vanilla extract.

Set Aside

Set both aside to meld flavors.

Cooking Process

Base Creation

Melt butter in a pan, add semolina, and toast until golden brown.

Incorporating Milk

Gradually stir in milk and sugar, continuing to stir until it thickens.

Do not let the milk boil over while preparing the helva base.

Final Mix

Fold in the nut mixture and essence mixtures, stirring until well combined.

Plating & Serving