Bahraini Halwa (Saffron and Cardamom Sweet with Nuts)
Local name: حلوى بحرينية
In short: A glossy, chewy sweet of cornstarch, sugar and ghee scented with saffron, cardamom and rose water, studded with almonds and pistachios. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 55 min
- Resting
- 3 h
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Calories
- 365 kcal
Bahraini halwa is the island's best-known sweet, a translucent, jelly-like confection with a deep golden color. Cornstarch and sugar syrup are stirred for a long time with ghee until the mixture turns glossy and pulls away from the pot. Saffron, cardamom, rose water and nuts finish it. It is served in small pieces with Arabic coffee, offered to guests, and given as a gift at Eid and weddings.
Instructions
- Whisk the cornstarch with 500 ml (2 cups) of the cold water until smooth. Oil a 20 cm (8 in) square tray.
- Put the sugar and the remaining 500 ml of water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, then lower the heat.
- Whisk the cornstarch mixture again and pour it slowly into the syrup, stirring constantly. Cook over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon, until thick and translucent.
- Add the ghee in three portions, stirring until each is absorbed. Keep stirring for 10 minutes as the mixture turns glossy and starts to pull away from the sides.
- Stir in the cardamom, saffron and its water, rose water, almonds and pistachios. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes more until very thick and shiny.
- Pour into the oiled tray, smooth the top and cool for at least 3 hours. Cut into squares with an oiled knife.
Tips
- Stir without stopping. The mixture sticks easily and catches on the bottom, so keep the heat moderate and use a long wooden spoon.
- Add the ghee gradually and let the mixture absorb it before adding more. Good halwa should look smooth and shiny, not greasy. Store in an airtight box for up to a week.
Questions and answers
Why is my halwa sticky and loose?
It was not cooked long enough. Keep cooking until it leaves the sides of the pot and a spoon leaves a clear track.
How long does Bahraini halwa keep?
In an airtight container at room temperature it keeps for about a week. Do not refrigerate it, since it firms up and loses its texture.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Use coconut oil instead of ghee. The flavor will differ slightly but the texture will be similar.
How long does it take to make Bahraini Halwa (Saffron and Cardamom Sweet with Nuts)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 55 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bahraini Halwa (Saffron and Cardamom Sweet with Nuts)?
About 365 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 51 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 365 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
