From the Turkish table
Turkish Toasted Flour Halva
Un helvası is a soft, spoon-shaped sweet made by toasting flour in butter before adding a simple syrup.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
Total time includes 10 minutes resting/chilling.
Turkish name: Un Helvası
What you’ll need
Ingredients
Ingredient amounts: 6 servings · 1×
Step by step
The method
Tap a step number to mark it complete.
Cook and shape
Warm the sugar and water in a small pan, stirring until clear. Bring briefly to a simmer, then remove from the heat and let it cool while toasting the flour.
Melt the butter in a wide heavy pan over low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously, reaching the corners, for about 20–25 minutes until evenly hazelnut-brown with a toasted aroma. Reduce the heat if patches darken quickly.
Take the pan off the heat. With your face and hands away from the steam, add the warm syrup gradually while stirring; it can spit. Return to low heat and stir for 2–3 minutes until the paste comes together and leaves the pan sides.
Remove from the heat, cover and rest for 10 minutes. While still warm, press spoonfuls against the pan side to form soft ovals. Divide into six small dessert portions.
Season: Year-round
Flour, butter and sugar form a pantry-and-dairy recipe suitable for any season. The label describes ingredient practicality and does not assign this version to a specific religious event or celebration.
Ingredients & dietary preferences: Vegetarian · Grains & flour
Dish type: Dessert