sugarfree halva

emijan · 08-21-2006, 05:29 PM

Halva (for those who do not know) is made out of seasame seed paste, unlike Tahini it is sweet. I was wondering if anyone tried to make it sugarfree. TIA

scott123 · 08-21-2006, 07:57 PM

I've been mulling over a recipe in my head for quite some time now. At some point I'll be lcing this authentic recipe:

2 c sugar
1 c water
1 3/4 c sesame paste(tahini)
1 T pure vanilla
2 egg whites
1 c shelled pistachios(unsalted)

Combine sugar and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook to the hard-ball stage (a few drops of syrup, when dropped into small basin of cold water, will form a firm ball that will not flatten on removal) or a temperature of 234 degrees. Set aside.

Put sesame paste with its oil in container of electric mixer or food processor. Add vanilla, blending thoroughly. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into sesame paste. When thoroughly blended, gradually add 3/4 c of the syrup, stirring. When completely blended fold in nuts and remaining syrup.

Pour and scrape mixture into loaf pan. Smooth over top. Cover tightly and refrigerate 3 days before unmolding. This halvah will keep for 6 months in refrigerator.

--------------------------

I'll probably sub a polyd/erythritol syrup for the sugar/water and cook it to a slightly higher temp to achieve the right 'stage.' At some point I might copy down the ingredients/nutritional info of my my favorite brand of halvah, Joyva, so I can match it as closely as possible.

Btw depending on where you live, there is commercial sugar free halvah. It's made with maltitol, though. I get mine from a local Syrian grocer.

Also, tahini and sesame seed paste are one in the same. Occasionally you'll find the term 'tahini' refering to the dressing made with sesame seed paste, garlic, lemon juice and salt, but 99% of the time, it's the canned/jarred sesame seed paste.

08-21-2006, 05:29 PM	#1
emijan MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,706 Gallery: emijan Stats: 180/155.8 16+/12 WOE: Atkins	sugarfree halva Halva (for those who do not know) is made out of seasame seed paste, unlike Tahini it is sweet. I was wondering if anyone tried to make it sugarfree. TIA

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08-21-2006, 07:57 PM	#2
scott123 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Morristown, NJ Posts: 2,145 Gallery: scott123 Stats: 245/220/205 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 2/6/04	I've been mulling over a recipe in my head for quite some time now. At some point I'll be lcing this authentic recipe: 2 c sugar 1 c water 1 3/4 c sesame paste(tahini) 1 T pure vanilla 2 egg whites 1 c shelled pistachios(unsalted) Combine sugar and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook to the hard-ball stage (a few drops of syrup, when dropped into small basin of cold water, will form a firm ball that will not flatten on removal) or a temperature of 234 degrees. Set aside. Put sesame paste with its oil in container of electric mixer or food processor. Add vanilla, blending thoroughly. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into sesame paste. When thoroughly blended, gradually add 3/4 c of the syrup, stirring. When completely blended fold in nuts and remaining syrup. Pour and scrape mixture into loaf pan. Smooth over top. Cover tightly and refrigerate 3 days before unmolding. This halvah will keep for 6 months in refrigerator. -------------------------- I'll probably sub a polyd/erythritol syrup for the sugar/water and cook it to a slightly higher temp to achieve the right 'stage.' At some point I might copy down the ingredients/nutritional info of my my favorite brand of halvah, Joyva, so I can match it as closely as possible. Btw depending on where you live, there is commercial sugar free halvah. It's made with maltitol, though. I get mine from a local Syrian grocer. Also, tahini and sesame seed paste are one in the same. Occasionally you'll find the term 'tahini' refering to the dressing made with sesame seed paste, garlic, lemon juice and salt, but 99% of the time, it's the canned/jarred sesame seed paste.