Halva pie dessert

Delicious Halva Pies Recipe – Vegan Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Looking for a vegan dessert that delights the taste buds and offers a memorable culinary experience? Halva pies are the perfect choice, combined with the subtle aroma of lemon zest and the fluffy texture of the dough. These pies are not only delicious but also economical, making them ideal for fasting days or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.

History of Halva Pies

Halva pies have a rich history, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Halva, a sweet dessert made from sesame seeds or nuts, is often associated with moments of celebration and joy. These pies bring together simple yet flavorful ingredients, transforming them into a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 200 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for the starter)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for the starter)
- 100 ml warm water (for the starter)
- 200 g halva (crumbled or grated)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Starter
In a small bowl, add the dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 100 ml of warm water. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 10 minutes until foam forms.

2. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the lemon zest, salt, and the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, add the activated starter and the softened margarine. Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water if necessary. Finally, add the 4 tablespoons of oil and continue kneading until you obtain a smooth, elastic, and manageable dough.

3. Rising the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 45-60 minutes).

4. Forming the Pies
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a clean surface with a little flour and roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Cut the dough into squares of about 10 cm. In each square, add a tablespoon of crumbled halva. You can shape the pies in various ways: I prefer the rose shape, but you can also choose round or triangular pies.

5. Final Rising
Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for 15 minutes.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pies with a mixture of water and sugar for a glossy glaze and sprinkle poppy seeds on top if desired. Bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and browned.

7. Finishing
Once the pies are baked, remove them from the oven and while they are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet taste and an elegant presentation.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Halva: Choose a quality halva, preferably with vanilla or cocoa flavor, for an extra touch of flavor.
- Oil: Using olive oil in the dough can give a unique taste, but make sure it is not too strong.
- Vegan Option: You can replace margarine with coconut oil or another plant-based alternative, keeping the recipe vegan.
- Various Fillings: Experiment with alternative fillings, such as ground nuts or cinnamon, to vary the flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These halva pies provide a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, and halva adds protein and healthy fats, also being a source of calcium and iron due to the sesame seeds. Consumed in moderation, these pies can be part of a balanced diet, especially during fasting periods.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pies warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of herbal tea or a vegan cappuccino. These combinations will not only complement the dessert's flavor but will also turn every meal into a pleasant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace dry yeast with the same amount of fresh yeast. Make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

- How do I know when the pies are baked?
Check the pies for a golden color on the surface. You can lightly tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are ready.

- Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, these pies can be frozen without any problems. Make sure they are completely cooled before packing them in freezer bags.

Conclusion

These halva pies are not only an economical vegan dessert but also a versatile choice for any occasion. With every bite, you will taste the flavor of tradition and goodness. So put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dessert that will bring joy to every home!