Halva ice cream

Halva and Sunflower Seed Ice Cream

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 6-8

Halva ice cream is a delicacy that adds a touch of indulgence on warm days, being a perfect combination of creamy texture and the unique flavors of halva. This simple and quick recipe, which combines halva, sunflower seeds, and chocolate, is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. So, put on your apron and let’s venture into making this special ice cream!

Ingredients needed

- 400 ml liquid cream (ideally with a minimum of 30% fat content for a creamy texture)
- 200 g vanilla halva (see details about halva below)
- 4 tablespoons sunflower seeds (preferably roasted)
- 2 sachets vanilla sugar
- Chocolate sprinkles for decoration (or any preferred chocolate)

About halva

Halva is a traditional dessert with a fine texture and sweet taste, made from sesame seeds or other types of nuts. It is rich in nutrients and offers an explosion of flavors. In our recipe, the vanilla halva will enrich the ice cream with a sweet taste and subtle aroma, which perfectly blends with the crunchy notes of sunflower seeds.

Making the ice cream

1. Roasting the sunflower seeds: Start by roasting the sunflower seeds. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the seeds. Roast for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn golden and release their aroma. Let them cool completely before adding to the mixture.

2. Preparing the mixture: In a food processor, add the liquid cream, crumbled halva, roasted seeds, and vanilla sugar. Blend the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. Make sure the halva is well integrated into the cream to avoid large chunks.

3. Freezing the mixture: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Let the ice cream freeze for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

4. Serving the ice cream: About 10 minutes before serving the ice cream, take the container out of the freezer to soften slightly. Use an ice cream scoop to portion the ice cream. Place the servings in cups or bowls.

5. Decorating: Decorate the ice cream with chocolate sprinkles and a few roasted sunflower seeds. This detail will not only look fantastic but will also add extra texture.

Useful tips

- Vegan option: If you want a vegan version of this ice cream, you can replace the cream with a nut-based cream or well-chilled coconut milk.
- Sugar-free ice cream: For a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey instead of vanilla sugar.
- Combine with other flavors: Halva ice cream can be combined with other flavors, such as dark chocolate or caramel, to create a special dessert.

Nutritional benefits

This ice cream is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The cream provides healthy fats, while halva adds proteins and essential minerals. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, contributing to skin and heart health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of halva? Yes, you can experiment with cocoa halva or other flavors. Each variant will add a unique note to your ice cream.
- What other desserts can I make with halva? Halva can be used in various desserts, such as cakes or puddings, to add flavor and texture.
- How can I adapt the recipe for more servings? You can double the ingredients and use a larger container, keeping in mind that the freezing time will remain the same.

Serving recommendations

Halva ice cream can be served plain or alongside a fruit pie, chocolate cake, or even with a caramel sauce. An ideal drink to complement this dessert is an espresso coffee or a flavored tea, which will contrast perfectly with the sweetness of the ice cream.

I invite you to try this simple and delicious halva and sunflower seed ice cream recipe. It will surely be a hit among your loved ones and will bring smiles to everyone’s faces! Enjoy!