Halva, from the Arabic *ḥalwá* for “sweet,” is a beloved Middle Eastern confection found across the world. 


How to Make Homemade Halva: Quick and Easy Halva Recipe

Halva (also known as helva or halvah) is a traditional sweet candy made from sesame paste originating from the Middle East. The recipe for halva varies from region-to-region, but [tahini (sesame paste)](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-tahini) is the common ingredient in most recipes. 

Halva is made from seed or <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/nut-butter-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/nut-butter-guide","linkCopy":"nut butter","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>nut butter</a> like peanut butter, sunflower butter, or tahini, and has a crumbly or fudge-like consistency. Halva is sometimes confused with halwa, a South Asian dessert made with rice or semolina paste that has a gelatinous, smooth texture similar to pudding. 

Like most ancient culinary creations, halva’s true origins are unknown, but recipes for the nutty, sweet treat have been found in thirteenth-century Arabic texts and cookbooks from Moorish Spain. 

By the early 1900s, halva had come to the United States, thanks to Jewish immigrants newly arrived in the country. The Middle Eastern treat has since become a staple sight at delis, specialty markets, and corner stores. 

Halva has a nutty, rich sweetness thanks to the toasty flavors of sesame seeds combined with sugar syrup. This flavor can change depending on additional flavorings or toppings—whether that’s rosewater, cardamom, swirls of caramel, a coating of dark chocolate, or a sprinkling of pistachios or hazelnuts for added crunch.

Halva, from the Arabic *ḥalwá* for “sweet,” is a beloved Middle Eastern confection found across the world.

Halva (also known as helva or halvah) is a traditional sweet candy made from sesame paste originating from the Middle East. The recipe for halva varies from region-to-region, but <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-tahini' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-tahini","linkCopy":"tahini (sesame paste)","category":null}'>tahini (sesame paste)</a> is the common ingredient in most recipes.

What Is Halva?

Halva is made from seed or <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/nut-butter-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/nut-butter-guide","linkCopy":"nut butter","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>nut butter</a> like peanut butter, sunflower butter, or tahini, and has a crumbly or fudge-like consistency. Halva is sometimes confused with halwa, a South Asian dessert made with rice or semolina paste that has a gelatinous, smooth texture similar to pudding.

What’s the Difference Between Halva and Halwa?

Like most ancient culinary creations, halva’s true origins are unknown, but recipes for the nutty, sweet treat have been found in thirteenth-century Arabic texts and cookbooks from Moorish Spain. By the early 1900s, halva had come to the United States, thanks to Jewish immigrants newly arrived in the country. The Middle Eastern treat has since become a staple sight at delis, specialty markets, and corner stores.

What Are the Origins of Halva?

Halva has a nutty, rich sweetness thanks to the toasty flavors of sesame seeds combined with sugar syrup. This flavor can change depending on additional flavorings or toppings—whether that’s rosewater, cardamom, swirls of caramel, a coating of dark chocolate, or a sprinkling of pistachios or hazelnuts for added crunch.

How Does Halva Taste?

Sweet Halva Recipe

Halva, from the Arabic ḥalwá for “sweet,” is a beloved Middle Eastern confection found across the world.

Halva, from the Arabic ḥalwá for “sweet,” is a beloved Middle Eastern confection found across the world. 
