I recently discovered a new favorite dessert – keto pistachio halva. As someone who follows a low-carb lifestyle, finding sweet treats that fit my dietary restrictions can be a challenge. But this Middle Eastern dessert made with ground sesame seeds, pistachios, and a sugar substitute has become a regular indulgence for me.
The first time I tried keto pistachio halva was during a lunch outing with a co-worker at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Miami. We were both intrigued by the dessert menu and decided to split a piece of the halva. From the first bite, I was hooked. The nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture were unlike anything I had tasted before.
What I love most about this dessert is that it satisfies my sweet tooth without derailing my healthy eating habits. Traditional halva is made with sugar and flour, but this keto version swaps in low-carb ingredients that won’t spike your blood sugar. Plus, the healthy fats from the sesame seeds and pistachios make it a filling and satisfying treat.
After having lunch at the restaurant, a young Middle Eastern waiter brought dessert to our table. It was a beautiful and colorful plate of keto pistachio halva. The dish consisted of a creamy mixture of ground pistachios, tahini, and coconut oil. They used powdered Allulose to sweeten the halva and flavored it with cinnamon and sugar-free vanilla extract.
The dish was served with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. The presentation was striking, and the flavors exceeded expectations, with the halva being creamy and featuring a delightful nutty texture.
I was impressed that this dessert was keto-friendly, as it was so delicious that it didn’t taste like a low-carb dessert at all. The waiter explained that the dish was made with wholesome ingredients that were low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It was the perfect dessert to satisfy a sweet tooth without compromising a healthy diet.
Overall, the keto pistachio halva was a delightful surprise that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a healthy and delicious dessert option.
Suddenly, one of the servers accidentally knocked over a nearby table. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the commotion certainly caught everyone’s attention. After a few minutes of cleaning up the mess, the server apologized profusely and went back to their duties.
After indulging in the delicious keto pistachio halva, I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe. I approached the chef and requested the recipe, which surprisingly he agreed to share with me.
The chef, who was originally from the Middle East, explained that halva is a traditional dessert made with tahini and sugar. However, he modified the recipe to make it low-carb and keto-friendly. To make this keto pistachio halva, you will need the following ingredients: tahini, coconut butter, virgin coconut oil, collagen powder or whey/egg white protein powder, powdered Allulose, sugar-free vanilla extract or vanilla powder, cinnamon, and unsalted raw or roasted pistachio nuts. As an optional ingredient, you can add a pinch of sea salt.
When it comes to enjoying keto pistachio halva, there are a few dishes that I find pair perfectly with it. Here are some of my favorites:
Greek Yogurt: The creamy and tangy flavor of Greek yogurt complements the nutty and sweet flavors of the halva. Plus, it adds a nice contrast in texture.
Berries: Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are a great addition to this dish. They add a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the halva.
Green Tea: A cup of green tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy with this dessert. The subtle bitterness of the tea complements the sweetness of the halva, while also providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
Coconut Whipped Cream: If you’re looking for a more indulgent pairing, try topping your halva with some homemade coconut whipped cream. The creaminess of the coconut pairs well with the nuttiness of the halva, and the sweetness of the whipped cream complements the sweetness of the dessert.
Overall, many different dishes pair well with keto pistachio halva. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
Ingredients:
To make this delicious keto pistachio halva, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of tahini (6.6 oz)
- 1/3 cup of coconut butter (2.9 oz)
- 1/4 cup of virgin coconut oil (2 fl oz)
- 1 cup of collagen powder or whey/egg white protein powder (3.5 oz)
- 1/4 cup of powdered Allulose (1.4 oz)
- 1 1/2 tsp of sugar-free vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp of vanilla powder
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of unsalted raw or roasted pistachio nuts (2.9 oz)
- Optional: a pinch of sea salt
That’s it for the ingredients! Now let’s move on to the next step.
How to Make Keto Pistachio Halva?
- To make this delicious keto pistachio halva, I first soften the tahini and coconut butter by placing them in a small saucepan over low heat with some coconut oil. After removing the mixture from the heat, I let it cool for a few minutes.
- Afterward, I incorporate the rest of the ingredients, such as collagen powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and Allulose. Optionally, you can add a pinch of salt, ensuring thorough mixing until fully combined.
- Subsequently, I move the blend into an 8 × 8 inch (20 × 20 cm) pan lined with parchment paper, which could also be a silicone pan or any suitable container with parchment lining. After that, I evenly top it with pistachio nuts, which can be raw or roasted for extra flavor.
- I place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until the mixture is fully set. Once it’s ready, I cut it into 16 pieces and serve.
- To store the keto pistachio halva, I keep it refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When making keto pistachio halva, there are a few common mistakes that you can easily avoid with proper preparation and attention to detail.
Firstly, one mistake that people often make is not properly measuring the ingredients. It’s important to use precise measurements to ensure that the halva turns out the way it should. I always make sure to measure out the ingredients using a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
Additionally, not properly mixing the ingredients can lead to a grainy texture in the halva. It’s important to thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. I like to use a hand mixer to make sure everything is well combined.
Finally, it’s important to let the halva cool completely before cutting it into pieces. Cutting it too soon can cause it to fall apart and not hold its shape. I usually let it cool for at least an hour before cutting it into pieces.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your keto pistachio halva turns out perfectly every time.
Variations of Keto Pistachio Halva
I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients in my keto pistachio halva recipe. Here are some variations that you can try to give your halva a unique twist:
1. Chocolate Pistachio Halva
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’ll love this variation. Simply add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the recipe to give it a rich chocolatey flavor. You can also add some chopped dark chocolate chunks to give it some texture.
2. Coconut Pistachio Halva
For a tropical twist, add some shredded coconut to the recipe. This will give your halva a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for extra crunch.
3. Cardamom Pistachio Halva
If you’re a fan of cardamom, you’ll love this variation. Simply add some ground cardamom to the recipe to give it a fragrant and slightly spicy flavor. You can also sprinkle some crushed cardamom pods on top for extra flavor.
4. Almond Pistachio Halva
For a nutty twist, replace some of the pistachios with almonds. This will give your halva a slightly different flavor and texture. You can also add some almond extract to enhance the almond flavor.
5. Lemon Pistachio Halva
For a refreshing twist, add some lemon zest to the recipe. This will give your halva a bright and tangy flavor. You can also add some lemon juice to the recipe for extra tartness.
Overall, there are so many ways to customize your keto pistachio halva recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect variation.
Conclusion
In summary, I have found that keto pistachio halva is a delicious and healthy treat that is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet. With its rich nutty flavor and satisfying texture, it is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a batch of delicious halva ready to enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet, which are essential for maintaining optimal health.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adding different nuts, spices, or sweeteners. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover nuts you may have lying around.
Overall, I highly recommend giving keto pistachio halva a try. It’s a delicious and healthy treat that is sure to become a staple in your low-carb or keto diet. So why not whip up a batch today and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying it can be?
By the way, this can be a perfect dessert after having keto falafel.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
credit: ketodietapp.com
