Holva

Holva, also known as halva or helva, is a confection made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar or honey. It originated in the Middle East and has since spread to many other parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and South Asia. The texture of holva can range from firm and crumbly to soft and dense, depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

The primary ingredients in traditional holva are tahini and a sweetener. The tahini is typically made from finely ground sesame seeds, which are roasted before grinding to enhance their flavor. The sweetener can be sugar, honey, or glucose syrup, and it is usually heated and mixed with the tahini until a paste forms. Various flavorings and additions can be incorporated, such as nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts), dried fruits, cocoa powder, vanilla, or spices like cardamom.

Holva is enjoyed in many cultures and is often consumed as a dessert or snack. It can be eaten on its own, as a filling for pastries, or crumbled over yogurt and ice cream. Different regions have their own variations of holva. For example, Turkish holva often includes additional ingredients like cocoa or mastic. In Greece, it might be flavored with citrus zest or cinnamon. In India, a different type of halva made from semolina or various flours and ghee is popular, which is distinct from the tahini-based variety. Regardless of the specific preparation, holva is recognized for its distinctive nutty flavor and rich, sweet taste.