Greek Semolina Halva

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Custards puddings creams Easy

A dense, fragrant semolina pudding that cooks in minutes and sets in a mold as it cools. This follows the classic oil, semolina, sugar and water ratio of 1:2:3:4 by volume. Makes 10 slices in about 2 hr 5 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Cooling 1 hr 30 min

Total 2 hr 5 min

Yield 10 slices

Diet Dairy free, Vegan

Ingredients

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slices

2 cups (480 ml)water
1 ¼ cups (250 g)sugar
1 ½ tsp (3 g)lemon zest, wide strip
½ cup (120 ml)neutral oil or mild olive oil
6 oz (170 g)coarse semolina
7 tbsp (40 g)sliced almonds, toasted
3 ½ tbsp (30 g)raisins
¾ tsp (2 g)ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Simmer the water, sugar, cinnamon stick and lemon zest 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Keep warm over low heat.
Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the semolina and stir constantly 8 to 10 minutes until golden and smelling nutty. Do not let it burn.
Stir in half the almonds and the raisins.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the warm syrup slowly with a long spoon, standing back, because it spatters hard when it meets the hot semolina.
Return to low heat and stir 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides.
Cover with a towel for 10 minutes, then press into an oiled 4 cup (1 L) mold or bundt pan.
Cool about 90 minutes until firm, turn out, and sprinkle with cinnamon and the remaining almonds.

Tips

Toast steadily and stir the whole time; the color of the semolina sets the flavor.
Pour the syrup slowly and keep your hands and face back from the pot.
For a lighter texture, replace 1/2 cup of the water with milk.
The hot sugar syrup spatters when added to the toasted semolina; add it slowly and keep the pot at arm's length.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make greek semolina halva?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour 30 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 10 slices.

How should I store greek semolina halva?

Cover and keep at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days and bring to room temperature to serve.

Can I make greek semolina halva ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Halva spans the Balkans to South Asia; the Greek semolina version toasts coarse semolina in oil and sets it with hot spiced syrup. Serve it with greek coffee.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 10 servings this recipe makes.

288 Calories / serving

13.2g Fat

40.8g Carbs

3.2g Protein

27.0g Sugar

Whole recipe (10 servings): ~2880 cal · 132g fat · 408g carbs · 32g protein · 270g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.