The Eastern Cross/Fasting recipes/Halvas Simigdali
Greek · Sweet
Halvas Simigdali
Χαλβάς σιμιγδαλένιος
Semolina halva, the 1-2-3-4 recipe
Wine & oil daysPrep 10 minCook 25 minServes 8
When to eat it. Made with oil. Keep it for days when wine and oil are allowed, like weekends in Lent and most of the Nativity Fast.
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the water and sugar with the cinnamon, cloves and orange peel for 5 minutes. Keep it hot.
- Heat the oil in a wide pot, add the semolina and nuts and stir constantly over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until deep golden.
- Take it off the heat and carefully pour in the hot syrup, standing back: it spits. Remove the spices.
- Stir over low heat until it pulls away from the sides. Pack into a mould, cool and turn out. Dust with cinnamon.
Tip. Remember it as 1-2-3-4: oil, semolina, sugar, water. The classic Lenten sweet.
Fasting customs differ between churches and parishes. When in doubt, follow what your priest gives you. Not sure what today allows? Check the Orthodox calendar.
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