Simple Halva: Step-by-Step Homemade Recipe with Delicious Tips

Sunday, November 09, 2025

SAEDNEWS: Halva is one of the traditional Iranian desserts, presented in various decorative styles and ready to serve in a short time.

Simple Halva: Step-by-Step Homemade Recipe with Delicious Tips

Simple halva is one of the traditional and delicious Iranian desserts, often prepared during mourning ceremonies. Like sholeh zard and ferni, it is a simple yet well-known dessert that Iranians love to serve.

Ingredients for Simple Halva

To make simple halva, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredient

Amount

Wheat flour

2 cups

Sugar

1.5 cups

Oil

1 cup

Rosewater

1/3 cup

Ground cardamom

As needed

Saffron

As needed

Butter

25 grams

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the Sugar Syrup

Start by making the syrup. Combine the sugar with 1 cup of water in a pot and heat it, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves. This will be the syrup for your halva.

Next, remove from heat and add rosewater, ground cardamom, and saffron to the syrup. Mix gently to preserve the aroma.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour

Sift the flour about three times to make it light and airy. Place it in a suitable pan over medium heat and toast it, stirring constantly until it loses its raw taste and turns a creamy color.

Tip: Stir continuously to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Oil and Butter

In a separate pan, melt the butter together with the oil. Gradually add this mixture to the toasted flour, stirring continuously until fully combined and golden in color. The longer you stir over heat, the darker and richer the halva will become.

Step 4: Add the Syrup

Once the halva reaches your desired color, lower the heat and slowly add the syrup in small portions. Stir quickly and continuously so the syrup is fully absorbed and the halva comes together in a smooth, dough-like consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

While still warm, transfer the halva to a serving dish. Decorate with slivered pistachios, almonds, or shredded coconut according to your preference.

Additional Notes

  • Preparation time: ~15 minutes

  • Cooking and waiting time: ~2 hours

  • Suitable for serving as a snack, dessert, or during Ramadan for iftar.

  • The recipe is designed to serve approximately 15 people.