Un Helvası - Turkish Flour Halva

Preparing the Syrup

1. In a small pot, mix the sugar and milk.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
3. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
4. This step should be done first to allow the syrup to cool as you work on the flour mixture.

Roasting the Flour

1. Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat.
2. Once melted, gradually add the flour, stirring continuously.
3. Roast the flour on low to medium heat for approximately 15 minutes, until it is golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from burning.
4. After about 15-20 minutes, the flour should turn a golden-brown color and give off a nutty aroma. This roasting process is key for achieving that deep, toasted flavor that makes Un Helvası so special.

Adding the Syrup

1. Once your flour is roasted to the perfect golden hue, it’s time to add the sugar syrup. But be careful: adding the syrup will cause the mixture to bubble, so pour slowly and stir constantly.
2. Gradually pour the warm sugar syrup into the roasted flour mixture while stirring.
3. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and comes together into a soft, dough-like consistency.
4. The halva will absorb all the liquid, and you’ll notice it pulling away from the sides of the pan.
5. At this point, the mixture should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when spooned out.