Helva

Helva or Halva is a broad term used to describe a variety of confections with a dense, sweet, and often paste-like consistency. Originating from the Middle East, it has spread to various regions worldwide, including the Balkans, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. The primary ingredients in most types of helva are some form of flour or nut butter (such as sesame tahini) and sugar or honey.

Etymology

The term "helva" is derived from the Arabic word "halwa", which means "sweet". It has been adopted and adapted by various cultures, leading to a wide range of confections all referred to by similar names, such as "halva" in English, "halvah" in Hebrew, and "halwa" in Hindi and Urdu.

Types of Helva

There are two primary types of helva: flour-based and nut butter-based.

Flour-based Helva

Flour-based helva, also known as "un helvası" in Turkish, is made by frying flour in butter, and then mixing it with sugar or honey to create a dense, sweet paste. This type of helva is common in Turkey, Greece, Iran, and other Middle Eastern and Balkan countries.

Nut Butter-based Helva

Nut butter-based helva, often made with sesame tahini, is known as "tahin helvası" in Turkish. This type of helva is popular in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. The sesame tahini is mixed with sugar or honey, and sometimes other ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit, to create a dense, sweet, and often crumbly confection.

Cultural Significance

Helva has significant cultural importance in many regions. In Turkey, for example, it is traditionally served at funerals, while in Greece it is often consumed during the period of Lent. In the Middle East, it is a common dessert or snack, and in India and Pakistan, it is often part of celebratory meals.

See Also

• Turkish cuisine
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine
• Confectionery