One of the best treats to be found in the outdoor markets of Israel is a delectable Mideast confection called halva. It’s based on sesame paste and sugar heated to a toffee-like texture, and enhanced with an almost endless variety of flavors and/or nuts.
Check out our video above as our Tayim chef shows you how to cook classic pistachio-vanilla halva in your own kitchen. Delicious!
Authentic flaky halva
2 cups warm tahini paste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup shelled pistachios
2 cups sugar
½ cup water
Mix first 4 ingredients well and set aside.
Sprinkle pistachios on a parchment strip lining 2 English cake pans.
Heat the sugar and water until the temperature reaches 260 degrees F (125 C).
Add tahini mixture and stir. Pour into the pans and let cool 4-6 hours.
Optionally, top with chocolate chips, pecans or cashews.
Executive Producer – Jonathan Baruch
Producer/Director – Haim Silberstein
Chef – Jessica Halfin
Camera – Ari Amit
Fighting for Israel's truth
We cover what makes life in Israel so special — it's people. A non-profit organization, ISRAEL21c's team of journalists are committed to telling stories that humanize Israelis and show their positive impact on our world. You can bring these stories to life by making a donation of $6/month.
