Chiudi

RGFE

Tomato Halawa (Halva)

Chef

Soha Darwish

Cook & Prep Time

45 mins

Serves

6

Tomato Halawa (Halva)

This is a unique sweet made by slowly cooking tomatoes with sugar, ghee, and flour until thick and jammy. It’s a rich, glossy dessert with deep caramelized notes and a surprising hint of tang from the tomatoes.

Ingredients

  • 400g diced or chopped tomatoes, drained
  • 170g semolina
  • 100g granulated sugar
  • 110g butter or ghee
  • 460ml water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Chopped pistachios to garnish

Directions

Step 1

Melt the butter or ghee in a (preferably non-stick) saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the semolina and stir continuously for about 5 minutes until golden. Remove from the heat.

Step 2

In another saucepan combine the drained tomatoes, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to the boil.

Step 3

Place the semolina back on a low heat and gradually – and carefully - add the boiling tomato mixture to the toasted semolina, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 4

Cook until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.

Step 5

Pour into a lightly greased dish or small individual bowls. Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve.