Refika’s Halva Recipe | A Celebration of Tradition & New Beginnings 🌿 Turkish Flour Halwa

[@sanchiagoosen8963]

Oh Refika - this touched my heart. It was my departed mother's birthday yesterday and as she adored Turkish food and traditions (and looked Turkish enough during her visits to Istanbul for folks to speak to her as a local) I will surely be making this. I love the idea of speaking to the food - we are feeding those we love and our words have power. Thank you for sharing this.

[@penguindrum264]

My family in the Caribbean makes this. We 'fry' the flour in clarified butter, boil the water with spices(cardamom, ginger and sometimes cinnamon), add the milk like you do and add nuts and raisins at the end. I'll try the towel technique because I like the texture of yours a lot.

[@nate-x2w]

Congratulations on the book and thank you all for giving me a happy escape from the events of the world. I look forward to your videos every weekend.

[@Refika]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to us to bring a bit of happiness to your day. We look forward to sharing more with you each weekend! ❤️

[@cherieb5451]

@@Refikawhat is the name of your book? Is it available in the US? 🙏

[@pmkhan1535]

When it's raining outside,then halwa is a treat here in Pakistan, Especially carrot halwa. Good luck for the book❤

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@Surya-bz2mw]

And North India🇮🇳

[@hezziepablo6894]

Congratulations on publishing your book. We make this as well but as an offering at both Hindu and Muslim religious functions in my country.

[@zaria5785]

Love carrot halwa with pistachio.

[@sandya2948]

What a lovely tradition- stirring, wishing, giving thanks. So delicious and symbolic at the same time. Our world needs you and your team to continue to share your wonderful traditions and big hearts now more than ever. Thank-you and Congratulations on your new cookbook. I own Cooking New Istanbul Style and treasure it. 🫶

[@Refika]

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🫶 It means a lot to know these traditions resonate with you. So grateful to have you as part of this journey!

[@amateurepicurean8168]

Wonderful news about your book. It is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations!! And thank you for sharing this lovely tradition. We make a certain type of cake to offer thanks and also to help us to find something that has been lost. And we have a wheat mixture that the older ladies prepare to serve at funerals. This traditions are comforting because they have the effect of uniting us with our ancestors and helping to foster a sense of belonging. At least that's how we see it. Be well, dear Refika (and talented crew!)

[@Refika]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful traditions! It’s amazing how these rituals connect us to our roots and bring comfort. I’m so grateful to have you with us on this journey. Be well and sending warm wishes! ❤️

[@Falaq2010]

Refills did you use wheat flour or just regular white flour?? Please let me know . We use whole wheat flour for roti , but not sure which one you use .. I liked the idea of serving with icecream… congratulations for your new book! ❤

[@richardhunter5710]

i couldn't love this more! looks delicious and what a profound custom/tradition. thank you

[@Khadeejahraja]

We have a huge Halwa tradition in Pakistan. Halwa made from Carrots, pumpkin, lentils, samolina, fudge, butter and flour and a few more. Have been introducing my Middle Eastern (where I live) friends to our style of Halwa. Can't wait to try yours.

[@Refika]

Thank you for sharing! 😊 It’s amazing to hear about the rich halwa tradition in Pakistan. I hope you and your friends enjoy trying this one too!

[@Khadeejahraja]

@Refika This Friday I hope to make it 🌷

[@debruneau01]

So happy to have found your channel today,.. looking for tahini halva and now I am scrolling all your videos and learning so much here in Canada on a cold snowy day🇨🇦. Thank you for teaching us with these wonderful videos! Sending wishes back for peace across the globe!

[@SnowWolf7]

Congrats on the book!

[@elisabetta4478]

Ciao Refika e la squadra, è una gioia vedervi fare cose deliziose, seppur non sono un'amante di dolci. In bocca a lupo per il tuo libro ❤ Buona domenica serale❤

[@rajkumaritolani7303]

Congratulations Refika on your book

[@ALALI14]

When my family make Halwa, they use a cup of rose water infused with saffron. And as you have said in the video, it is made to commemorate a specific religious day or a special occasion.

[@marysotiropoulos5069]

Refika, thank you for sharing the recipe. My mom, who passed away a year ago used to make this recipe & other variations with semolina and tahini.

[@amirakulenovic9395]

Congratulations on the book,thank you for this great recipe of halva, I love halva before Ramadan❤️

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! ❤️ I’m glad you enjoyed the halva recipe

[@amirakulenovic9395]

@ I will,trust me,but this time I put ice cream

[@ditas008]

Yes, we also make this the day before eid.

[@yasminhussain6070]

Love her cooking ❤

[@nellymirchi]

Congratulations on the book! In India we add cardamom powder and small drop of rose or kewra essence for extra royal flavour and mostly don’t use water except in the flour version. We also use veggies sometimes (carrot or bottle gourd) and also lentils (split yellow moong) to make halwa. We almost always add chopped nuts (and raisins if you wish) to the dish and in certain communities we also add fruits like banana or pineapple to the semolina version.

[@jadedjhypsi]

looks delicious, i could almost smell it through the tv =)

[@Refika]

Thank you! 😊

[@MrSockKing]

What a beautiful tradition and recipe. I believe we feed our intentions into the food we make and those intentions become part of the people that eat the food. This video brought tears to my eyes.

[@SherylSimon-n9s]

VERY VERY GOOD ! i LOVE HALVA .BE WELL AND CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR BOOK!!!

[@gjylijesylejmani5819]

Halva-smell of my childhood in the beatiful city of - Prizren in Kosovo. Thank you Refika for the recipe and the advices. 🎉

[@Roop1962]

We make halwa in India too. I am from Bengal in eastern India and we always make it with semolina. In the northern and western parts of the country, it can also be made with flour, carrots, or mung beans. Much love and best wishes. 🇮🇳❤️🇹🇷

[@jodi-bethfelton3696]

Thank-you ❤ what a wonderful recipe and love the prayers and intentions ❤

[@joannekramchynski5527]

Nice.... Beautifully explained ....thank you from Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada

[@Nimisha369]

Oh my Halva spans over a large area. Indians have many versions of the same Halwa. Such an amazing and versatile dessert!!!

[@orian-x]

I think my family come from that part of the world because i remember they use to do all of them. I cant ask then because i have no family now. Thank u Love from Canada

[@Refika]

Thank you for sharing. Food really does connect us to our roots. Sending love to Canada! ❤️

[@sophiashakti5638]

Once I was invited to Turkish dinner. It was unforgettable, different delicious tastes still linger in my memory. Awesome dessert, thanks 😊🎉

[@swtcocao]

Congratulations on your book 🎉looking forward to buy it… this halwa looks yum 😋 will def try

[@cherylfelton4030]

I am so happy that you have a book coming out!!! The Halva looks so good. Thank you for the video!

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@mrsasfandyarali._]

It is almost like Kadha Prasad (Atta Ka Halwa), I love how the cuisines all over the world are interconnected. As usual lots of love from India.

[@cherieburger15]

Wonderful 🎉 so happy about your book!!! Blessings!!! Always, always enjoy seeing 👀 you and the amazing food!!! ❤

[@Refika]

Thank you 😊

[@Julian-tz1bb]

You are so wholesome. Everything about you feels genuine. Food connects humans on so many levels. Today's world, we still have to struggle for real food. Not much has changed in terns of real food- people were starving in the past, people are starving now - starved of nutritious meals, brainwashed with artificial foods and supplements, injected with vaccines....and then there are people like you - a ray of hope. ❤ much love from Kerala, India.

[@kimslyffnow11]

That looks really good. Congratulations on your new book!

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 🎉 We're so excited to share it with you all!

[@izzanizami1418]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 on publication of you book🎉🎉🎉

[@dasguptaanuran]

Halwa is one of the go-to desserts in Indian kitchens as well. Apart from grain flour and nut flour based halvas (semolina, wheat, almond, cashew, lentils etc.) there are also Halwas made from carrots, bottle gourd (lauki), pumpkin and other fruits and vegetables.

[@buketkeen1275]

This halwa will leave it's mark on the world thanks to you👍💐😋🤗💖

[@Refika]

Ahaha, thank you so much! 😊

[@medihakaya4593]

I cannot find the short you have done for 10th of November for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. I think you must do a video of cooking the dishes that Atatürk loved. For example, Atatürk loved kuru fasülye and pilav. He never started eating before his soldiers were fed. I am waiting for this video from you and your team, Refika. You can expand on this idea and present it beautifully as usual.

[@itspreeti2006]

Fantastic recipes.. we will be traveling to Turkey next week. Please do recommend good restaurants in Istanbul that serve vegetarian food.

[@TheNegimaru]

Congrats on the publishing 🎉🕊️❣️

[@Refika]

Thank youuu thank youu..

[@debbycoley]

Congrats on your new book! This recipe looks easy to make and scrumptious! Love the traditions behind it. Thank you for all that you and yours do! Love from Texas. 😊

[@Refika]

Thank you😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe and the traditions behind it. Sending love to Texas! ❤️

[@CricketsBay]

Thank you, Refika and Team. And congratulations on the new book being sent to the publisher. 🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 🎉 We're so excited to share it with you all!

[@yasmeen8494]

its nice we used to make in pakistan exactly same way

[@angeladormer6659]

One of my alltime favourite things, I love Halva. Thank you beaautiful Refika and team. God bless you all ❤❤❤

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! ❤ We're so happy you love halva as much as we do. Blessings to you too!

[@angeladormer6659]

@Refika Thank you so much.

[@Elene_55]

Love any type pf halva♥

[@zahidamaqbool1187]

Congratulations on the book can't wait to get it xx another fantastic recipe with a special message ❤

[@rafia8758]

In pakistan we also make this halwa... and so many other types of halvas garm flour halva carrot halva Semolina halwa all type of lentil halva pumpkin halwa and many more

[@emeraldfernandez5010]

Hi im Emerald from Australia. I'm loving your chanel and content. So personal and genuine.and inspiring and DELICIOUS 🎉Thank you to you and the team.🎉 I love your attitude towards BS commercial food industry tries to feed us. And your courage to show how easy and life giving on so many levels it is to eat purely and simply. HiGH THINKING AND SIMPLE LIVING IS MY MOTTO. Although I'm vegetarian.. I'm focusing on all your vegetarian content. And feel inspired to cook. I've made a document with all your recipes I want to make. I'm starting with your Hummus. Will let you know how it goes. 😊 Thank you again .❤

[@shebafredrick2544]

Thankyou for sharing the helva recipe. As an Indian, my 2 favourite are carrot halwa and condensed coconut milk halwa.

[@creativeartzysoul3663]

Looks so good and delicious 💐

[@salma-hq1po]

Congratulations. Im sure its a fantastic book. Hope i come across it in the future. Best wishes. Mabruk!

[@naveed-e-saharahsan1420]

Love ❤ur recipes always tried and tested 👍In Pakistan 🇵🇰 also we are in love with halwa on every occasion

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@katherinesmith9985]

Much congratulations on your new book! I know it will reach great success!

[@alexalexiye9791]

Such things can cheer my day anytime. Sok tesheküler Rafika ❤

[@Refika]

I'm so glad it brings you joy! Çok teşekkürler!

[@yj2111]

Nice, this is an Iranian sweet/halva

[@zoltannehorvath3548]

Congratulations ❤ Dear Rafika, please enable the Hungarian translation. I love you so much and I love the recipe I see from you. I wish you and your lovely family a blessed and beautiful weekend. With much love ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! ❤ I’m so happy you enjoy the recipes! Wishing you and your family a beautiful weekend as well, with all my love! ❤

[@zoltannehorvath3548]

❤

[@zoltannehorvath3548]

Thank you so much honey ❤

[@ouraniakaramaria8941]

Congratulations for your book 🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@sweetystars9261]

Congratulations on your new book 😊

[@analeila]

I love the relationship with the food that you show through ur videos. The idea of whispering to the food while cooking is wonderful.

[@majdalkhateeb2424]

Thanks for sharing the recipe. It looks delicious, and i think I'll try the one with the ice cream 🤤. For the wishes and prayers, i believe we should ask allah directly he's closer to you than your jugular vein. ❤❤

[@erinzeb]

Lovely! And congratulations on the book!

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 🎉 We're so excited to share it with you all!

[@sm0672]

Biz Pakistanlılar bu helvayı çok seviyoruz ve yağmur yağdığında ve bahsettiğiniz diğer günlerde çok sık yapılıyor. Tadı çok lezzetli 😋👌

[@Refika]

It’s wonderful to see similar recipes around the world! This truly makes us one and connected.

[@VOTE4TAJ]

Congratulations on the book, I hope I will personally collect one from you.

[@nicholaslengua4867]

Looks yummy and congratulations!

[@Gabrielarielle]

Heartiest congratulations to you on the publishing of your book. Delighted with the news. God bless and all the best❤

[@ramonajordan3875]

Congratulations! What an absolutely lovely way to give thanks. I think this is the perfect time to try this recipe. In the United States our Thanksgiving holiday is approaching. Your timing, or maybe the universe's timing, is perfect.

[@Refika]

Thank you! 😊 Hope this recipe adds warmth to your celebration!

[@TaskeenMomin-q9g]

Assalamualaikum Love all your recipes❤ In India we also make Wheat flour n semolina Halwa with lots of Ghee ( clarified butter) n dry fruits. Wheat flour Halwa is made especially for New Mothers after delivery. 😊 Love from India🇮🇳❤

[@ushere5791]

congratulations on your book! i'm sure we're all thankful for that news! the halva with white chocolate looked luscious!! much love to you! :)

[@draganamitrovic4614]

Thank you for explaining the meaning of "halva". I always wondered why you make it when someone dies. Greetings from Montenegro👋

[@Refika]

Thank you! I'm glad I could share the tradition behind it😊

[@ayeshasyed4943]

Very yumm receipe. All the best for your book. In Pakistan we make semolina halwa, flour( wheat, chickpea etc) halwa, carrot halwa, gourd halwa. And there are many other halwas too in Pakistan.

[@Refika]

It’s wonderful to see similar recipes around the world! This truly makes us one and connected.

[@Ladythyme]

Shaping Like big Gnocchi 😉…. Interesting how such simple ingredients are magically turned into such a delightful and meaningful dish 🥰

[@clonn]

That’s a quenelle

[@andreacontreras2278]

Congratulations on your book!! I have your old book (with your signature ❤!) and it’s wonderful, I can’t wait for the new one 😃🥳

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 🎉 We're so excited to share it with you all!

[@chris-8092]

my wishes are: this world is definitely due for world peace and needs a lot of healing

[@abgarb4259]

I am a very lucky follower 😊 I just found your recipe for helva made with semolina you posted some time ago…any recipes for tahini helva ? 🇨🇦

[@FA-kt3is]

In Azerbaijan we do the same halva, but without milk. Just with sherbet (water and sugar). I do it with honey and water. Thanks for reminding me of a nice tradition. Greetings from Canada!

[@jayolovitt5969]

My favourite dessert.

[@mumslondonlife5907]

Congratulations! Looking forward to getting a copy. 💞

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 🎉 We're so excited to share it with you all!

[@ladybuggriffis2299]

Thank you for your recipe you always amaze me and I hope your book does very well in sales. You deserve much because you give so much in recipes, kindness, and you are very thoughtful. When the earthquake happened you were there for all the people. Many blessings to you.🦬🐞🪶🙏🏽

[@Refika]

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊

[@lydaalvarez123]

Looks delicious!

[@cathyrogers9276]

Congratulations on the book! I didn't know that halva was so easy to make.

[@Refika]

Thank you! 😊 Yes, halva is simpler than it seems-so glad you enjoyed learning about it!

[@beatrixveres2506]

Finally ....I have waited for this recipe for a long time :))), thank you.

[@abgarb4259]

Congratulations on your book launch. We love your recipes and your presentations, so positive, so inspiring. Sharing your birthday celebration and your crew at your studio was a real eye opener and a real treat. Now..any chance you can share a helva recipe made semolina instead of flour ? Thank you 😊 🇨🇦

[@lisaeastes3104]

Congrats on your book❤ I bet it's delicious!

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@VeronicaD0862]

First congratulations on your book!!! Best wishes for selling this. Second, about thinking while you mix the halva, l’m not Muslim neither do halva, but when I’m cooking something that I can’t get away from stove, I always do some thinking or some prays so time passes quickly and I feel good about my self. Thanks for the recipe. 😊

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@Passingby4]

Canım çektiiiii. I am planning out a picnic with my friends and helva has just been added to my what-dessert-to-bring list

[@Refika]

Perfect! 😄 Helva is such a great choice for a picnic! Hope your friends love it too. Enjoy!

[@VeretenoVids]

Congratulations on the new book!

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 🎉 We're so excited to share it with you all!

[@Binka76]

In bosnia halva is also a traditional dish. We Love it!

[@zohrajabeen4312]

Delicious and awesome recipe dear Rafka. A must try recipe. Love from India. 🇮🇳♥️🥰🥰👍👍👌👌❤️💐Many congratulations for your 📚

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 😊 I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. Sending lots of love to India! 🇮🇳❤️📚

[@shadowguard3578]

Well done on your forthcoming book. The halwa looks very tasty. I was looking at the ingredients in the information section. I’m using the measurement that one tablespoon is 15 ml. In the US (may be different in other countries) 200g butter is 16 tablespoons/or two sticks of butter.

[@clonn]

In Argentina we have a peanut version called Mantecol.

[@mclark3814]

Great video. ❤

[@VOTE4TAJ]

Semolina halva has been very famous among Muslim clerics (molvis) and scholars. We used to joke around it but during construction of our house in Pakistan early 1990 I learned from a labourer that its source of quick energy and digests easily. He used to request my mother to make some for lunch, the traditional way to consume it is that halva should not touch your teeth and must be soft enough to slid down the throat. Halva puri (type of fried white floor flat bread) is very traditional breakfast of us Lahori Pakistanis.

[@TheArcSet]

Thanks for this.

[@dagkz1081]

Güzel çok lezzetli

[@maghurt]

Oh, how exciting! I'm so happy for you all!

[@Refika]

Thank you so much! 😊 We’re so excited to share this with you!

[@mysteriouspoppin]

She is amazing

[@kathleencole80]

Yummy! Thanks for sharing. (California, USA)

[@Refika]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! Greetings to California!

[@jeaniegobin1375]

Thank you Refika congratulations on your book. A question, how do you store the halva? Refrigerator or on the counter? Take good care Refika. I send blessings to all of you.

[@OSheaDean]

Congratulations; please let us know when it's available for pre-order!

[@fatimasajjad6901]

Congrats. Our halwa is samolina halwa carrot halwa. Almond halwa and different vegetables and lentils halwas with nuts. What are the reasons you are telling same are here also. Thank you for sharing laziz halwa.

[@Refika]

Thank you! 😊 It’s amazing how many types of halwa we share. So happy you enjoyed the recipe!

[@foodislife3390]

What wonderful news for your book to be ready, congratulations! This recipe looks so delicious, but I am not meant to eat wheat and dairy. Would this still work if I used gf flour and df butter and milk?