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Turkish Semolina Halva with Ice Cream Recipe

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4 from 26 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving

Description

Turkish Semolina Halva is a classic, creamy dessert made by toasting semolina with butter and pine nuts, then simmering it with a sweet mixture of sugar, water, and milk. This comforting treat is served warm with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of fragrant ground cinnamon, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for a special dessert or festive occasion.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups semolina
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Other Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 scoop ice cream (vanilla or preferred flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Liquid Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the sugar, water, and milk until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this sweet liquid mixture aside while you prepare the semolina.
  2. Toast Semolina and Pine Nuts: Place a rice pot or heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop over low heat. Melt the butter, then add the pine nuts and semolina. Fry this mixture gently for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the semolina turns a warm tan color.
  3. Add the Liquid to Semolina: Carefully pour the prepared liquid mixture into the hot pot with the toasted semolina and nuts. Be cautious as the hot pan will cause the liquid to steam and may splatter.
  4. Simmer the Mixture: Lightly stir to combine, then cover the pot with a lid to allow the semolina to absorb the liquid slowly.
  5. Mix and Continue Absorbing: When the semolina begins to soak up the liquid, stir the mixture again to ensure even cooking and absorption. Replace the lid and let it continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the semolina is fully softened and absorbs all the liquid.
  6. Assemble with Ice Cream: Transfer the halva to a serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of the halva and place a scoop of ice cream inside. Then, add another spoonful of halva over the ice cream and press down gently to level the surface.
  7. Serve with Cinnamon: Carefully invert the bowl onto a serving plate so the ice cream is encased in the middle of the halva mound. Sprinkle ground cinnamon generously on top and serve immediately for a warm and comforting dessert experience.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning during toasting.
  • Stir continuously when frying semolina to ensure even color and prevent lumps.
  • The ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm halva; vanilla works best but feel free to use your favorite flavor.
  • If you prefer a richer halva, you can substitute some of the water with more milk.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pine nuts or substitute with chopped almonds.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Turkish

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/turkish-semolina-halva-with-ice-cream-recipe/