Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Traditional sweet made from semolina, sugar, and butter or oil
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
100 g of Semolina Halva has 330 calories. It contains 55 g of carbs, 4.5 g of protein, 11 g of fat and 1.2 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 8% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
Semolina Halva is a Turkish sweet made by slowly toasting semolina in butter or oil, then cooking it with a sugar syrup, often with milk or water. Pine nuts may be stirred in or scattered over the top. The patient toasting gives it its characteristic golden colour and nutty aroma.
It is served warm, with a soft, moist texture that is lightly crumbly rather than smooth. In Turkey it is often offered after a meal or at family and religious gatherings; across the wider region, related versions are also enjoyed as a home-made dessert. Semolina Halva is mainly a source of carbohydrates and fat, with comparatively little protein or fibre. For a less heavy finish, serve a modest portion with unsweetened tea.
Selected: 100 g
330
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
55g
· 20% DV
Protein
4.5g
· 9% DV
Fat
11g
· 14% DV
Fiber
1.2g
· 4% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 65% · Protein 5% · Fat 30%
Vitamins
Biotin
2µg · 7% DV
B1
0.07mg · 6% DV
B3
0.9mg · 6% DV
B5
0.3mg · 6% DV
Minerals
Iron
1mg · 6% DV
Phosphorus
45mg · 6% DV
Selenium
2.5µg · 5% DV
Magnesium
12mg · 3% DV
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 330 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
4.5g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.5g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.2g
Omega 6:3 ratio 40:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (40:1).
Semolina Halva is made by cooking semolina with butter or oil, then adding sweetened water or milk. Pine nuts are a common addition, though recipes vary; the mixture is covered so the semolina absorbs the liquid and softens.
To make Semolina Halva, toast semolina in butter or oil while stirring, then carefully add hot sweetened liquid. Cover the pan and let the grains absorb it before fluffing and serving. Some recipes add pine nuts during toasting.
Semolina Halva is a traditional dessert found in Turkish and other regional cuisines, with recipes differing across the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. In Turkey, it is commonly made at home and served warm, sometimes after meals or at commemorative gatherings.
Toasting gives Semolina Halva its characteristic golden color and nutty aroma. Stir the semolina over moderate heat so it colors evenly; stopping too early can leave a bland taste, while scorching it makes the finished dessert bitter.
Semolina Halva is most often served warm, when it is soft and fragrant. It can also be eaten at room temperature, and some recipes pair warm halva with cold ice cream for a contrast in temperature and texture.
Semolina Halva is often served on its own with tea or after a meal. A popular variation pairs it with vanilla ice cream, while toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add extra flavor without changing the basic dessert.
Yes, Semolina Halva can be frozen in an airtight container after it has cooled. Thaw it in the refrigerator and warm it gently in a pan before serving; the texture may be slightly less fluffy than when freshly made.
Turkish Semolina Halva is commonly cooked with butter or oil and sweetened milk or water, then left to absorb the liquid. Greek semolina halva often uses a syrup poured over toasted semolina and may be flavored with citrus or spices; recipes vary in both countries.
Semolina Halva can turn mushy if it contains too much liquid or has not rested long enough for the grains to absorb it evenly. Measure the liquid carefully, keep the pan covered after cooking, and fluff the halva once it has settled.
Yes, Semolina Halva can be made without pine nuts. They add a toasted, crunchy accent but are optional; leave them out for a simpler version, or use another nut if it suits the recipe and your needs.
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.