Tar Halva is a very traditional Persian dessert made with rice flour, ground cardamom and butter. It is sweetened with a light saffron syrup that is mildly scented with rosewater. Tar Halva translates to “moist halva,” which is a different version of the regular Halva; it is made with rice flour and has a softer and moister consistency. Tar Halva is made using various methods in different parts of Iran from North to South, and this results in many types of Tar Halva with different colors, consistencies, and flavors.
# First make the syrup: Mix sugar and water over medium heat only until the sugar dissolves and comes to a low boil. Add saffron and stir. Remove from the heat. Add the rosewater and stir to combine. Set aside so it cools to lukewarm. Do not boil the syrup.
# Now make the base: Add the flour to a nonstick 10-inch skillet and stir over medium heat with a wooden spoon for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes aromatic and smells nutty. The flour should not change color.
# Add cold butter cubes and ground cardamom to the skillet. Stir over medium heat until all the flour becomes moist and paste like. Keep stirring until all the butter is completely cut into the flour and the mixture is nice and paste like but not greasy looking.
# Add a small piece of the hot paste to the lukewarm syrup. If it sizzles the paste is hot enough to be mixed with the syrup.
# Now add all the syrup in the skillet over the hot paste. Keep stirring over medium heat with wooden spoon until well blended.
# Keep stirring until once again the mixture sticks together and forms a paste.
# Turn off the heat and keep stirring until the Tar Halva starts pulling away from the sides and bottom of the skillet.
# Add the Tar Halva to a bowl and cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
# Transfer the Tar Halva to a shallow serving platter. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon, then use the tip of the spoon to make designs on top.
# Garnish with some slivered or chopped pistachios and dried rose petals.
# Enjoy the Tar Halva after lunch or dinner with a cup of tea.
Iranian Desserts: Persian Halva
