Halawa ~ Halvah

Halawa ~ Halvah
Original recipe by Bruce Weinstein, modified by Wardeh Harmon

Makes about 1-1/2 pounds

Wardeh’s note: In the Middle East, both Jewish and Arabic people love this dessert. Arabic people call it Halawa and Jewish people call it Halvah. Everyone calls it healthy and yummy! The commercial varieties, however, are NOT healthy. This version is.

• 1/2 cup untoasted or toasted sesame oil
• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup tahini
• 3/4 cup raw agave (or raw honey)

Warm the oil in a large heavy skillet over low heat. Add the flour and stir until the oil and flour are thoroughly combined. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to turn pale brown. Add the tahini and stir until the mixture has a uniform color and consistency. Turn off the heat.

In a separate small saucepan, bring the agave (or honey) to a boil over high heat. Boil for 1 minute. Immediately add the hot honey to the flour mixture. Stir until the honey is completely incorporated.

Spread the mixture into a small ungreased 5- by 9-inch loaf pan and pack the mixture down with the back of a spatula. Let the halawa cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours or until the pan feels cool. It will shrink back slightly from the edges of the pan as it cools, and should therefore unmold easily when the pan is inverted. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To serve, cut into thin slices.