One of the best treats to be found in the outdoor markets of Israel is a delectable Mideast confection called halva. It’s based on sesame paste and sugar heated to a toffee-like texture, and enhanced with an almost endless variety of flavors and/or nuts.

Check out our video above as our Tayim chef shows you how to cook classic pistachio-vanilla halva in your own kitchen. Delicious!

Authentic flaky halva

2 cups warm tahini paste

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon almond extract

1/3 cup shelled pistachios

2 cups sugar

½ cup water

Mix first 4 ingredients well and set aside.

Sprinkle pistachios on a parchment strip lining 2 English cake pans.

Heat the sugar and water until the temperature reaches 260 degrees F (125 C).

Add tahini mixture and stir. Pour into the pans and let cool 4-6 hours.

Optionally, top with chocolate chips, pecans or cashews.

Executive Producer – Jonathan Baruch

Producer/Director – Haim Silberstein

Chef – Jessica Halfin

Camera – Ari Amit