Sesame Halva Slices

Ingredients

• 1 cuptahini or sesame paste
• 3/4 cupsugar or honey
• 1/4 cupwater

Method

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar completely, ensuring there are no granules left. Heat the mixture over medium heat, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. You will notice the liquid becoming clear and slightly thickened, which indicates that the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Once the sugar syrup is ready, reduce the heat to low and carefully add 1 cup of tahini or sesame paste to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to combine the tahini with the syrup. The mixture should become smooth and uniform, with no visible separation of oil from the tahini.
3. Continue stirring the mixture over low heat until it thickens further and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This will take a few minutes, and you'll notice the texture becoming more cohesive and glossy. The mixture should feel dense and slightly sticky but not overly wet.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, just until it is safe to handle. Line a small rectangular or square dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the edges for easy removal later. Pour the halva mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
5. Let the halva cool to room temperature in the dish, allowing it to set completely. This can take some time, depending on the ambient temperature. Once set, the halva should be firm to the touch and hold its shape when sliced.
6. For serving, lift the halva out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut it into slices of your desired size, using a sharp knife for clean edges. Serve the sesame halva slices at room temperature, enjoying the rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.