Sweets: Halvah with Walnuts - pareve

"Jews from Persia (present-day Iran) are especially proud of 
Queen Esther's role in the holiday of Purim. A favorite dish 
of Iranian children is halvah, which they eat after they break 
the fast of Esther, observed on Adar 13. At nursery school, 
Merissa learned this recipe for halvah from an Iranian
teacher. In between tastes, the children played with Esther 
and Ahasuerus marionettes they had made with the help of their 
teacher."
                             Joan Nathan

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups water
1 cup chopped walnuts

 
In a frying pan, brown the flour over low heat, watching
constantly, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
Remove from heat.

To the flour, add the sugar, cinnamon, and oil. With the pan 
off the heat, stir for about 5 minutes, keeping the mixture 
a light brown color.

Add the water and reheat, stirring for about 5 minutes, until 
the halvah thickens. Then cover and simmer slowly for 5 
minutes more. Fold in the walnuts.

Let cool, then cut into squares.

Makes about 20 squares.

Source: "The Children's Jewish Holiday Kitchen"
         Joan Nathan

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