What is Halwah?

Question

Just got back from the Asian markets and saw soething new. Halwah. What is it and what is it used for? I'm curious because they also had a pistachio halwah and I love anything with pistachios.

Is this something I could eat for an afternoon snack? Always looking for new ideas.

TIA

Answer

I've also seen recipes for halva or halwa in Indian cookbooks. It seems to be a very sweet candy or dessert with milk in it, cooked down to make a kind of paste. I don't think it's related to the Middle Eastern halva which is usually made with sesame seeds and sugar.

Answer

Halwah is the Lebanese version of Halva. It's a sesame candy. My favorite is Pistachio. It's a snack item, and it's addicting.

Answer

I think wikipedia's right on this one,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halva

There are two versions - I prefer the semolina based one, but they're both pretty tasty!

Answer

My (Greek) friend's mom makes it - it's pretty dense and sweet and comforting to eat - slices nicely, like a very firmly packed polenta... I think more perishable than the sesame-based one.

Answer

Hated it as a kid, now I really like the pistachio. The middle eastern sesame-based is very fattening, a little goes a long way...

Usually spelled halvah.

Answer

i have a recipe, kind of americanized tho, for gajar halwah, its kind of a carrot nut dessert, and i haven't tried it yet but it looks great, i can post the recipe if anyone wants

Answer

I really liked the Isreali kind as a kid. Now, as an adult, it just seems too rich...very sweet, very buttery tasting. More of a once-in-a-long-while treat than a regular afternoon snack.

Topics

Locations

Your post has been published!

What is Halwah?

More from Chowhound

Guides

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It

Recipe Round-Ups

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress

Guides

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime

Home

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin

Trending Discussions

Favorite Chowhound Memories

A Final Goodbye for Chowhound

Chowhound Recipes That You are Saving

Food52: Goodbye to Chowhound, the Internet’s First Food Hub

NY Times: Chowhound Closes After 25 Years of Food Obsession, Wisdom and Debate

Quick Links

Latest Discussions

Cookbook of the Month

Dish of the Month

Weekly Menu Planning

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

12 Irish Foods to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day That Aren’t Corned Beef and Cabbage

Chowhound

Policies

Community

Editorial

Content