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Home » recipe

Turkish halwa (sad el hanak)

Published: Sep 7, 2020 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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A true comfort food that is very popular in Turkey and throughout the Middle East. Flour is cooked in nutty ghee then sweetened and softened with a mixture of sugar and milk.
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A pinterest collage for Turkush Halwa.

Turkish wheat halwa is an easy 4 ingredient recipe that is well known throughout the Middle East countires as well. In fact, this recipe goes with a special name in Egypt " sad el hanak". One of the oldest dessert recipes in the region.

Another type or halwa/halva is the tahini halva, rich and decadent dessert/breakfast item.

a close up on wheat halwa in a white bowl garnished with some crushed nuts

Ingredients

recipe ingredients placed on a stove top

For this wheat halwa I am using all purpose flour. Some people also use semolina, while others use whole wheat flour too.

Directions:

wheat halwa steps
  1. In a bowl dissolve sugar in water or milk.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ghee, add nuts or sesame seeds if using to toast a bit. Add flour.
  3. Stir flour until it is golden.
  4. Pour the sugar mixture over and keep whisking until a smooth paste forms.

Tips and variations

  • Egyptians are used to make this dessert with all purpose flour, many other nationalities make it with whole wheat flour or semolina.
  • you can use butter but ghee is more traditional to the Egyptian kitchen and it gives a great flavor.
  • You can flavor the liquid with cinnamon, cardamom, orange blossom water or rose water if desired.
  • Try it with almond flour, sugar substitute and any sort of milk you like for a low carb option.
halwa in a white bowl decorated with crushed nuts

Flour wheat halwa

Do your taste buds a favor and taste this dessert once in your life. Ghee lends this dish a heavenly nice buttery flavor, sweetened to your taste, very easy to make, all ingredients are probably in your pantry.. in just two word this is a perfect easy dessert.

I think this dessert is as old as the Mediterranean itself, really it is so old , the kind that great great grandmothers used to make. I've seen my grandmother make it a lot and never seen my mom making it !!.

If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

a close up on wheat halwa in a white bowl garnished with some crushed nuts

Turkish Halwa (sad el hank)

A true comfort food that is very popular in Turkey and throughout the Middle East. Flour is cooked in nutty ghee then sweetened and softened with a mixture of sugar and milk.
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle East, Turkish
Servings: 2
Calories: 306kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons ghee Note1
  • 4 Tablespoons sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons all purpose flour Note2
  • 4 Tablespoons water/milk Note3
  • Nuts of choice or sesame seeds optional.

Instructions

  • In a bowl dissolve sugar in water or milk. Note4
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ghee, add nuts or sesame seeds if using to toast a bit.
  • Whisk in flour until it is golden.
  • Pour the sugar mixture over and keep whisking until a smooth paste forms.
  • Scoop into bowls or form in any shape you like, garnish with some more nuts or sesame seeds.

Notes

Note1: you can use butter but ghee is more traditional to the Egyptian kitchen and it gives a great flavor.
Note2: In some parts of the world people also use semolina or whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour.
Note3: You might want to warm the milk or water a bit to make it easier to dissolve sugar in.
Note4: You can flavor the liquid with cinnamon, cardamom, orange blossom water or rose water if desired.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Iron: 1mg
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. SIDSEL HORVEI

    September 08, 2020 at 6:31 am

    This sounds so interesting! Do you serve it still warm or cooled?

    Reply
    • Amira

      September 09, 2020 at 1:03 pm

      It is usually eaten in winter days in Egypt hence served hot or warm. But I've made it a couple of days ago and served it room temperature.

      Reply
  2. Simone Levy

    December 10, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    Sounds easy and delish. Tx. Have you ever eaten mefataa? My friends grandma made it. Guey and nutty and sweet. My mother or grandma never made it. Somehow i remember she had to buy something from the attar.

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 13, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      Oh Simone, I have seen meftaa in stores in Egypt too. I have never made it myself and I remember tasting it only once when I was a little kid as my mom hopelessly was trying to make me gain weight :)))). Aaand guess what? I am trying to do the same with my kiddos as they are shamefully skinny hehehe.

      Reply
  3. Stephanie in Philadelphia

    February 28, 2019 at 5:59 pm

    5 stars
    I've made this three times and it's very, very good, super easy and quick to make; the good thing is that you can add whatever you want to the recipe, depending on what you like (flavors, textures, nuts...)

    Reply
    • Amira

      March 01, 2019 at 9:07 pm

      Thank you Stephanie, I am happy you liked it. I always encourage my readers to play with recipes to their own liking.. it is amazing what you guys come up with.

      Reply
  4. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen

    March 08, 2015 at 11:25 pm

    I am always inspired to try new desserts - and this sounds tasty! I'm in!

    Reply
  5. Juliana

    March 03, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    How interesting this dessert...I have never had anything like it...sounds very tasty.
    Have a great week Amira 🙂

    Reply
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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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