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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. Gloria

    March 02, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    what lovely and amazing dessert!! Look delicious!!

    Reply
  2. Easyfoodsmith

    March 01, 2015 at 8:10 am

    This is similar to what we Indians call Halwa (Atte ka Halwa) and I can imagine how good this is. Ghee just makes everything taste so good. 😀

    Reply
  3. Kathy

    February 28, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    This dessert looks and sounds lovely!

    Reply
  4. Henna

    February 28, 2015 at 8:10 am

    Old is gold, my friend 🙂 This is actually very similar to Pakistani-style Halwa! Looks and sounds delicious!

    Reply
  5. Marie

    February 27, 2015 at 8:16 am

    It looks quite tasty Amira! Did not hear about it but as it's easy will definitely try it.
    You know what? You are the first one whose recipes I am trying to do in my kitchen. So you are a great inspiration and explaining everything just well.
    Lots of love from France

    Reply
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I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines 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. Read More…

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