Coconut Halva (Arabian specialty)

Coconut Harisa

Coconut harisa is a traditional dessert from Arabic cuisine, cherished for its moist texture and intense coconut flavor. This sweet and refreshing recipe is perfect for adding a touch of exotic flavor to your life. Typically, sweets from this region are characterized by a pronounced sweetness, and harisa is no exception, featuring a base of sugar syrup that transforms it into a true delight. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare this recipe, sharing useful tips and variations that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 (for a 36 cm diameter pan)

Ingredients

For the harisa:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of semolina
- 1 cup of coconut (preferably fresh or from a trusted source)
- 1 cup of yogurt (opt for plain yogurt without added flavors)
- 3/4 - 1 cup of sugar (adjust according to personal preference; I recommend 3/4)
- 1/2 cup of oil (use sunflower or corn oil, avoid olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons of powdered milk (optional, but adds a creamy note)
- Zest of one lemon (for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (to activate the baking soda)
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda

For the syrup:
- 3 cups of sugar
- 2.5 cups of water
- About 50 g of butter
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Vanilla (a pod or essence, as preferred)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar with the water and bring to a boil.
2. Once the water starts boiling, add about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This will not only flavor the syrup but also prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a consistency similar to that of oil.
4. When the syrup reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat and add the butter. Stir until completely melted.
5. Add the vanilla and let the syrup cool, stirring occasionally to speed up the process.

Step 2: Prepare the harisa

1. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, semolina, coconut, sugar, powdered milk, baking powder, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the yogurt, oil, and lemon juice. Make sure the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and mix everything very well until you achieve a homogeneous batter.
4. Prepare a greased and floured pan. Pour the harisa mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula.

Step 3: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
2. Perform the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the harisa is ready.
3. Once baked, turn off the oven and immediately pour the cold syrup over the hot harisa. Don’t be alarmed if the harisa seems to be "swimming" in syrup; it will gradually soak it up.

Step 4: Cooling and serving

1. Let the harisa absorb the syrup for about 20-30 minutes. Then, allow it to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, cut the harisa into squares of about 5x5 cm.
3. Optionally, decorate with pistachios or grated coconut on top for a pleasant appearance and a crunchy note.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients to achieve the best flavor. For example, fresh coconut provides a more intense taste than dried coconut.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding flavors like cardamom or cinnamon for a more exotic taste. You can also replace part of the coconut with other types of ground nuts, such as almonds.
- Serving: Harisa pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of fresh yogurt. It is an ideal dessert for festive meals or to treat yourself after a long day.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of harisa contains approximately 250 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from coconut.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be different, and the harisa may be denser.

- How can I make the harisa less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener.

- Can harisa be frozen?
Yes, harisa can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent drying out.

Coconut harisa is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will delight your senses. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a special treat!