Soy-Free Halawa Tahiniya (Sesame Halva)

Indulge in the rich, nutty, and authentically Middle Eastern flavor of Soy-Free Halawa Tahiniya (Sesame Halva), a decadent dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying. This recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples — creamy tahini, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice — to create a melt-in-your-mouth confection free from soy and artificial additives. Perfectly sweetened and subtly flavored with vanilla, this halva achieves a velvety texture combined with a delightful crumbly bite. Add your own twist with optional pistachios or almonds for a hint of crunch and extra elegance. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and perfect for sharing, this soy-free sesame halva is ideal for special occasions or as a make-ahead treat to savor throughout the week. Discover the ultimate homemade halva recipe that’s true to tradition and tailored to delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 240 ml Tahini (Sesame Paste)
• 200 g Sugar
• 60 ml Water
• 5 ml Lemon Juice
• 5 ml Vanilla Extract
• 1 pinch Salt
• 30 g Pistachios or Almonds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing your workspace with all ingredients measured out and ready. Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the halva later.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Stop stirring and allow the syrup to come to a boil.

Step 3

Continue to boil the syrup, without stirring, until it reaches 118°C (245°F) on a candy thermometer. This will take approximately 10 minutes.

Step 4

While the syrup is boiling, place the tahini in a heat-resistant mixing bowl and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5

Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Gradually pour the hot syrup into the tahini mixture while stirring continuously to combine.

Step 6

The mixture will begin to thicken and stiffen as you mix. Quickly transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

Step 7

If using, sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the top, gently pressing them into the halva.

Step 8

Allow the halva to cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Step 9

Once set, remove the halva from the pan and cut it into small squares or slices. Serve at room temperature and enjoy this soy-free delicacy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(540.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2407.4

Total Fat 143.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 415.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 259.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.6g	0%
Total Sugars 204.1g
Protein 47.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1059.6mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 1319.6mg	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: 51.3%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 41.2%