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