**Tahinli Helva: A Delicious Turkish Dessert Recipe**
**What is Tahinli Helva?**
Tahinli Helva is a traditional Turkish dessert that is loved by people of all ages. It is a sweet and creamy dessert made with tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, and helva, a type of Turkish nougat. In this recipe, we will show you how to make Tahinli Helva at home, and we will also provide you with some tips and variations to make it even more delicious.
**Who is this recipe for?**
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Turkish desserts and wants to try something new and delicious. It is also a great recipe for special occasions such as weddings and holidays. If you are looking for a dessert that is easy to make and will impress your guests, then this is the recipe for you.
**Why is this recipe so good?**
Tahinli Helva is a delicious and unique dessert that is loved by people of all ages. It is made with tahini, which is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, and helva, which is a type of Turkish nougat. The combination of these two ingredients creates a sweet and creamy dessert that is unlike anything else. It is also a great way to get your daily dose of sesame seeds, which are a great source of protein and fiber.
**Time Required**
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
**Difficulty Level**
Easy
**Nutritional Information**
| Nutrient | Amount |
| — | — |
| Calories | 250 per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Vitamin E | 10% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Calcium | 10% of the DV |
**Portion Size**
This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
**Ingredients**
Checkboxes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| — | — |
| Tahini | 1 cup |
| Helva | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
**Kitchen Equipment Needed**
* Large saucepan
* Whisk
* Wooden spoon
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Electric mixer (optional)
**Preparation Steps**
1. In a large saucepan, combine the tahini, helva, granulated sugar, and water. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add the sesame seeds and salt to the saucepan and whisk until well combined.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it comes to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, or until it thickens and turns a light golden brown.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
7. Once the mixture has cooled, use an electric mixer to beat it until it is smooth and creamy.
8. Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.
**How to Store Leftovers**
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
**Food and Drink Pairings**
Tahinli Helva is a versatile dessert that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks. Some popular pairings include:
* Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas make a great pairing with Tahinli Helva.
* Whipped cream: Top Tahinli Helva with whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
* Coffee: A cup of coffee is a great way to end a meal with Tahinli Helva.
* Tea: A cup of tea, such as Turkish tea or English breakfast tea, is a great way to end a meal with Tahinli Helva.
**Tips and Variations**
* To make Tahinli Helva more festive, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture before cooking it.
* You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for extra flavor.
* If you want to make Tahinli Helva more creamy, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture before cooking it.
* You can also use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to give Tahinli Helva a different flavor.
**Conclusion**
Tahinli Helva is a delicious and unique Turkish dessert that is perfect for special occasions. It is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, it is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dessert.
**FAQs**
Q: What is tahini?
A: Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds.
Q: What is helva?
A: Helva is a type of Turkish nougat.
Q: Can I use different types of sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to give Tahinli Helva a different flavor.
Q: Can I add nuts or other ingredients to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add nuts or other ingredients, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give Tahinli Helva extra flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.