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Greek Halvas: Semolina Pudding Cake

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Greek Halvas is a traditional semolina pudding cake made by toasting semolina in oil and infusing it with spiced syrup, nuts, and dried fruits. Naturally egg-free and dairy-free, it’s soft, fragrant, and perfectly sweet.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • Lemon or orange peel
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semolina flour
  • 1 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup blanched almonds, halved
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
  • Ground pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and citrus peel. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Stir in honey and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  2. In a wide pot, heat oil over low heat. Add semolina and stir constantly for about 10 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant.
  3. Add almonds and toast for another 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in dried fruit, citrus zest, cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
  5. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the semolina mixture (it will bubble). Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot (about 5–10 minutes).
  6. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased mold or dish. Press down gently to eliminate air pockets and smooth the top.
  7. Let the halva cool to room temperature (at least 1 hour). Unmold and garnish with ground cinnamon and pistachios before serving.

Notes

  • Use coarse semolina for more texture or fine semolina for a smoother result.
  • Substitute almonds with walnuts or pistachios if desired.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup or sugar for a vegan option.
  • Do not overcook after adding syrup to avoid dryness.
  • Pairs well with tea, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/greek-halvas-semolina-pudding-cake/