Turkish Flour 'Helva' Recipe

'helva' is a group of paste-like sweets found in turkey and throughout the middle east. In arabic, the term halva has a broader meaning and can refer to anything sweet. In turkish cuisine, 'helva' specifically refers to this type of dessert. Helva has been present in turkish cuisine for centuries. It's mentioned in anatolian seljuk literature that dates as far back as the 13th century. In modern turkish cuisine, there are two main types of 'helva. ' the first type is made with a firm nut or sesame seed paste and sold in blocks. This type of 'helva, ' called 'tahini helva, ' is most often bought in stores. The second type of 'helva' made from starches like flour or semolina is more popular with home cooks. This type of 'helva' is made by toasting the semolina or flour in large amounts of butter or oil. It's then softened with milk and sweetened with sugar, honey or grape molasses called 'pekmez' (peck-mez') and left to set. Sometimes other ingredients like cocoa powder and nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts or pistacios are added. Semolina 'helva' is more commonly served at important life events like funerals, weddings and other commemerations. Flour 'helva' is served anytime for either dessert or with coffee and tea. It's true comfort food. Each family has their own reciped for flour 'helva'. This is the basic recipe for plain flour helva i use at home. It's delicious plain, but you can also expirement with different flavorings like vanilla, rose water, lemon zest or cocoa and try different nuts until you find a 'helva' mixture that's perfect for you.