Turkish Semolina Helva with Pine Nuts and Honey

Name: Turkish Semolina Helva with Pine Nuts and Honey
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup coarse semolina; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A sweet dessert with rich flavors of roasted pine nuts and honey

Indulge in this traditional Turkish dessert that combines the nutty goodness of semolina with the golden sweetness of honey-laden pine nuts.

45 min
8
Easy

Ingredients

For the Helva Base

1 cup coarse semolina

1/4 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup unsalted butter

For the Honey Syrup

2 cups water

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Preparing the Honey Syrup

Combine ingredients

In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and honey.

Bring to a boil

Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.

Add vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.

Toasting the Semolina and Pine Nuts

Melt butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

Toast pine nuts

Add pine nuts and toast until they turn golden brown.

Roast semolina

Stir in semolina and roast, stirring frequently, until it achieves a deep golden color.

⚠ Avoid burning the semolina by stirring continuously and monitoring the heat. 💡 Use a wooden spoon to avoid scratching non-stick surfaces.

Cooking Process

Incorporating Syrup

Gradually pour the honey syrup into the toasted semolina mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Simmering

Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Absorbing the Syrup

Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes off the heat to allow remaining syrup to absorb.

Plating & Serving