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Semolina Helva

A comforting sweet dish made by slow roasting coarse semolina in butter until golden and steeping it in warm sweet milk.

35 minMediumServes 6340 cal/serving

TurkishDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 cup coarse semolina
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, then keep warm.

  2. 2

    Melt 1/2 cup cubed unsalted butter in a deep wide skillet over medium-low heat.

  3. 3

    Add 2 tbsp pine nuts and 1 cup coarse semolina to the skillet.

  4. 4

    Stir continuously for 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown and smells toasted.

  5. 5

    Carefully pour the warm syrup into the roasted coarse semolina while stirring continuously.

  6. 6

    Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes until liquid absorbs.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat, let rest covered for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon before serving.

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Questions

What is Semolina Helva?

A comforting sweet dish made by slow roasting coarse semolina in butter until golden and steeping it in warm sweet milk. This reference files it under Turkish dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for pine nuts in Semolina Helva?

The entry for Semolina Helva calls for 2 tbsp pine nuts. In its place: Toasted slivered almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds keep it nut-free.

Can I make Semolina Helva gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Semolina Helva is 1 cup coarse semolina. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Semolina Helva vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and 2 cups whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does Semolina Helva contain tree nuts?

Yes: 2 tbsp pine nuts. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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