{"id":"recipe_d05f69bf29","slug":"semolina-halva-greek-halvas","title":"Semolina Halva (Greek Halvas)","description":"A fragrant, golden-brown semolina pudding known in Greece as '1-2-3-4 Halva' because of its simple proportions: one part oil, two parts semolina, three parts sugar, and four parts water. This vegan-friendly Mediterranean classic is toasted until nutty and infused with cinnamon and cloves.","serves":10,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":35,"totalMinutes":45,"activeMinutes":30},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"1 cup olive oil or vegetable oil","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":235,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"Olive oil is traditional; use a light version for a milder flavor","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1 cup coarse semolina","name":"Semolina","quantity":170,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"coarse","notes":"","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 cup fine semolina","name":"Semolina","quantity":170,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"fine","notes":"","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"3 cups granulated sugar","name":"Granulated Sugar","quantity":600,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3,"usUnit":"cup","form":"granulated","notes":"","group":"Syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"4 cups water","name":"Water","quantity":950,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"qt","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"Syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 cinnamon stick","name":"Cinnamon Stick","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"stick","notes":"","group":"Syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"3-4 whole cloves","name":"Cloves","quantity":4,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"piece","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"Syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1 strip lemon peel","name":"Lemon Peel","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"peel","notes":"Yellow part only","group":"Syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1/2 cup slivered almonds","name":"Almonds","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"cup","form":"slivered","notes":"Can substitute with walnuts or skip for nut-free","group":"Optional","optional":true}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and keep warm.","group":"Syrup Preparation","title":"Combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Syrup Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large, deep heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the coarse and fine semolina, along with the slivered almonds if using.","group":"Toasting","title":"Heat the olive oil","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Toasting"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Stir the semolina constantly with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes until it turns a deep golden-brown color and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn it.","group":"Toasting","title":"Stir the semolina constantly","timerMinutes":20,"sourceTitle":"Toasting"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Lower the heat. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the toasted semolina pot. Caution: It will steam and bubble violently. Stir vigorously until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.","group":"Assembly","title":"Lower the heat","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel. Cover the pot with a clean towel and place the lid on top. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.","group":"Resting","title":"Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Resting"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Press the mixture into a bundt mold or individual ramekins while still warm. Once cooled to room temperature, unmold and serve. Dust with extra ground cinnamon if desired.","group":"Molding","title":"Press the mixture","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Molding"}],"notes":"Traditional Greek halva uses a mix of coarse and fine semolina for the best texture. Always use a deep pot when adding the syrup to the semolina, as it will bubble and splatter significantly.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["dessert"],"cookingMethod":["boil","simmer","stirFry"],"equipment":["large heavy-bottomed pot","medium saucepan","wooden spoon","bundt mold"],"diet":["vegan","vegetarian","dairy_free","high_protein"],"allergens":["wheat","gluten","tree_nuts"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":1,"unit":"loaf","note":"Fits a standard bundt mold or rectangular pan"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Halva can be made several days in advance and stored at room temperature."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.","reheatingNotes":"Can be served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed in the microwave."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_d05f69bf29%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f7214556-ad08-40c6-b581-38cc4d4d4a13","imageAlt":"Semolina Halva (Greek Halvas) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["vegan","semolina","greek halva","pudding","cinnamon","traditional"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Semolina Halva (Greek Halvas)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T02:08:07.538Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T02:08:07.538Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_7118ab4802","slug":"lemon-mint-juice-limonana","title":"Lemon Mint Juice (Limonana)","description":"A quintessential Mediterranean and Middle Eastern refresher, this vibrant drink perfectly balances tart lemons, cooling fresh mint, and a touch of sweetness.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Middle Eastern","Levantine"]},"course":["dessert"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7118ab4802%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=abf73a52-7932-4dea-82b6-3486a9e6b6ea","imageAlt":"Lemon Mint Juice (Limonana) — recipe cover","tags":["refreshing","mint","lemonade","cold-drink","summer","citrus"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_05b3803820","slug":"yogurt-with-honey","title":"Yogurt with Honey","description":"A creamy and nutritious Mediterranean staple featuring thick Greek yogurt drizzled with golden honey and topped with crunchy walnuts.","serves":1,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":5,"activeMinutes":5},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["main","dessert"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein","mediterranean"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_05b3803820%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=d3ada203-2be2-41f4-b9ee-23856051fabb","imageAlt":"Yogurt with Honey — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","high protein","quick","mediterranean diet","vegetarian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":3},{"id":"recipe_df33fac33f","slug":"basbousa","title":"Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup","description":"A traditional Mediterranean semolina cake soaked in aromatic syrup, known for its moist, grainy texture and sweet floral notes.","serves":12,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":40,"totalMinutes":105,"activeMinutes":45},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Egyptian","Levantine"]},"course":["dessert"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_df33fac33f%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=4671c365-003f-4487-8802-e08193fc80e9","imageAlt":"Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup — recipe cover","tags":["semolina","cake","syrup","middle eastern","sweet","floral"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":11,"stepCount":7}]}