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.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes about 20 squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Preparation
Step 1
Adult with Child: In a frying pan, brown the flour over low heat, watching constantly, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Child: 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.
Step 3
Adult: 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.
Step 4
Child: Let cool, then cut into squares.
