Black Sesame Halva
Posted: April 22, 2009 Filed under: Agave Nectar, Candy, desserts, Erythritol, favorites, gluten free, Snacks, Stage 2, Travel Foods, Vegan, world cuisine 2 Comments »
I love sesame, and I really love sesame that’s sweetened. So that means that I like Sesame candies, like sesame crunch and halva.
Most folks here in the US can deal with anything made with white sesame seeds, but black sesame seeds have a much stronger flavor than most people are used to. I love the sharper, almost grassy flavor of black sesame seeds, but it can become overpowering. So I put just a sprinkle in this sugar free halva recipe.
This homemade halva is not as crumbly as the kind you buy in specialty stores. It has a bit of chew, but still retains a nice flakiness and melt in your mouth texture. It uses a 3:1 ratio erythritol/agave candy syrup. Feel free to double the recipe.
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons erythritol
2 tablespoons agave
3 tablespoons white tahini
pinch salt
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
In a saucepan, combine erythritol and agave and melt over low heat until erythritol crystals are completely dissolved, about 5 mins. Syrup should be clear. Tilt pan to check bottom to see if there are any crystals remaining. If so, melt about a minute more.
Add tahini, salt and sesame seeds. Stir to combine and heat through for about one more minute. Pour mixture onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Let cool completely and break into pieces.
is it possible to just use raw agave instead of erythritol? That sweetener does not like me…nooo nooo it hates me…lol I was just looking up Halva recipe and I bet these would be even better with vanilla extract….=o) and a touch of orange lemon or a splash of Captain Morgans rum or even ROSE WATER… or you could use dried rose tea crushed up… Maybe some spices?…Cinnamon, clove…cardamom is traditional.
You can use agave, but you have to heat it to get it to candy. It takes a long time and increases the sugar content. If you do get to add some of those wonderful additions to the halva, let us know which one you liked best!