Halvas

Description

File:Article117.jpg

Halvas

Semolina and almond cake

• Serves 8 persons!

Ingredients

• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 cups coarse semolina
• 3 cups sugar
• 4 cups water
• 100 g blanched almonds
• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon

Directions

1. The traditional golden formula for halva is counting 1, 2, 3, 4.
2. What this means is 1 cup olive oil, 2 cups coarse semolina, 3 cups sugar and 4 of water.
3. Nowadays, people reduce the amount of sugar from 3 to 2 cups and also instead of olive oil they may use sunflower seed oil.
4. You will also need 100 g blanched almonds and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon for sprinkling on top.
5. Put the oil in a large saucepan on a medium heat and when it is almost smoking hot gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously until it turns light brown.
6. Reduce the heat, add the almonds and brown together, stirring - it is a matter of taste how brown you will let it get.
7. In the meantime, dilute 2 cups of sugar in the water and boil for 3 – 4 minutes.
8. Withdraw the semolina from the heat, and add the hot syrup while stirring.
9. Return to a gentle heat and keep stirring until the mixture looks smooth.
10. When almost all the moisture has been absorbed add the remaining sugar.
11. Cover the halva with a clean tea towel and let it stand for 10 minutes to absorb moisture.
12. Empty it into a fluted mould or a cake tin, and when cold unmould onto a platter and dust all over with cinnamon.