Low Sodium Halawa Tahiniya (Sesame Halva)

Indulge in the timeless delight of Low Sodium Halawa Tahiniya (Sesame Halva), a healthier twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert. This velvety confection is made with creamy tahini, a touch of vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness, all without relying on added salt. The recipe features a simple yet delicate process of creating candy-like sugar syrup, perfectly balanced with the nutty richness of sesame paste. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, making this treat irresistibly satisfying. Perfect as a guilt-free dessert or a midday pick-me-up, this low-sodium halva is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes and yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth squares that store beautifully for up to two weeks. Gluten-free and packed with natural flavor, it’s a sophisticated treat your guests won’t be able to resist!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 300 grams Tahini (sesame paste)
• 200 grams Granulated sugar
• 100 ml Water
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing your work area and gathering all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step 2

Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently to mix, then place the saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Without stirring further, allow the mixture to come to a boil and continue cooking until it reaches 115°C (240°F) on a candy thermometer, known as the soft ball stage. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5

While the sugar syrup is reaching temperature, pour the tahini into a mixing bowl and add the vanilla extract to it.

Step 6

Once the sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature, promptly remove it from the heat.

Step 7

Carefully and gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the tahini mixture while stirring continuously. The mixture will thicken quickly.

Step 8

Continue to stir vigorously until the mixture becomes hard to stir, which indicates the halva is starting to set.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined 8x8-inch pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and press them lightly with the spatula to adhere.

Step 11

Allow the halva to cool completely at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set firmly.

Step 12

Once set, cut the halva into squares or slices and serve.

Step 13

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(621.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2656.1

Total Fat 171.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 351.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 266.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.9g	0%
Total Sugars 202.6g
Protein 55.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1296.4mg	0%
Iron 27.0mg	0%
Potassium 1308.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.6%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 37.6%