Helva

Helva

M

Mehmet Yilmaz

9 Feb 2026

|

Cook

30 mins

Serves

8 People

Calories

350 calories

Indulge in the sweet, nutty flavors of Helva, a delightful Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina, butter, and nuts. Perfect for a cozy gathering or as a special treat after dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method

  1. 1

    In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 2

    In another larger pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the semolina and stir continuously until it turns golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Once the semolina is golden, gradually add the boiling sugar syrup while stirring. Be careful as it may bubble up.

  4. 4

    Stir the mixture continuously until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 5-10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and chopped nuts. Mix well to combine.

  6. 6

    Transfer the helva mixture into a greased mold or dish. Smooth the top and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

  7. 7

    Once cooled, cut into squares or triangles and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition per serving

350kcal
Calories

Fat

15g

Carbs

45g

Protein

6g

Available in

Rate this recipe

4.9 · 17 ratings

Comments

A
Anna Nilsson14/02/2026

This was super easy to make!

S
Seo-jun Park13/02/2026

This helva recipe is a delightful combination of sweetness and comforting texture.

F
Fatima Al-Harbi12/02/2026

Making helva is surprisingly easy and the result is super deliciously sweet!

S
Siri Siriporn12/02/2026

This helva turned out beautifully! The texture was perfect, and the sweetness was just right.

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