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Lower-fat semolina dessert
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Low-oil semolina helva (140 g) has 301 calories. That works out to 215 calories per 100 g. It contains 58.5 g of carbs, 5.9 g of protein, 5.7 g of fat and 2.2 g of fiber. Its 16.8 µg of Selenium covers 31% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 62 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 140 g
301
KCAL / 140G
Carbs
58.5g
· 21% DV
Protein
5.9g
· 12% DV
Fat
5.7g
· 7% DV
Fiber
2.2g
· 8% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 76% · Protein 8% · Fat 16%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 301 kcal | |
| Total fat | 5.7 g | 7% |
| Saturated fat | 1.54 g | 8% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 81 mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 58.5 g | 21% |
| Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% |
| Protein | 5.9 g | 12% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 140 g | 301 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 18 g | 39 kcal |
| 3 tablespoon (medium) | 54 g | 116 kcal |
| ½ cup (half) | 80 g | 172 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 90 g | 194 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 215 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 160 g | 344 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 220 g | 473 kcal |
Calculated from 215 calories per 100 g.
Low-oil semolina helva is made by slowly toasting semolina in a small amount of oil, then adding hot sweetened liquid while stirring. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, cover the pan, and let the grains rest before serving.
Low-oil semolina helva is made with semolina, a reduced amount of oil, sugar, and water or milk. Some recipes add pine nuts, cinnamon, or vanilla, but the basic dessert gets its toasted flavor from the semolina itself.
Low-oil semolina helva turns lumpy when the liquid is poured in too quickly or the semolina is not stirred as it is added. Add hot liquid gradually and keep stirring; taking the pan off the heat can help prevent splattering.
To keep low-oil semolina helva fluffy, toast the grains evenly and add the liquid gradually while stirring. Once cooked, let it rest covered, then gently fluff it with a fork so the semolina grains separate instead of forming a dense mass.
Low-oil semolina helva is commonly served warm, when its toasted aroma and soft texture stand out. It can also be served at room temperature, often with a scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Yes, low-oil semolina helva pairs well with ice cream. Serve the helva warm with a scoop of plain or vanilla ice cream on the side, rather than mixing it into the pan, so the ice cream does not melt before serving.
Yes, you can make low-oil semolina helva with milk instead of water, or use a mixture of both. Milk gives the dessert a creamier taste and texture; add it gradually while hot to help the semolina cook evenly.
Store low-oil semolina helva in a covered container in the refrigerator after it has cooled. If it was made with milk, refrigerate it promptly; reheat only the portion you plan to eat to preserve its texture.
Reheat low-oil semolina helva gently in a covered pan over low heat, stirring as it warms. If it seems dry, add a small splash of water or milk; you can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between them.
Low-oil semolina helva is a lighter preparation of semolina helva, a dessert with long-standing roots across Türkiye and the wider region. In Turkish homes, irmik helvası is often served at gatherings, commemorations, and family meals.
Vitamins
B3
1.68mg · 11% DV
B1
0.11mg · 9% DV
Biotin
2.52µg · 8% DV
B5
0.31mg · 6% DV
Minerals
Selenium
17µg · 31% DV
Manganese
0.45mg · 20% DV
Copper
0.13mg · 14% DV
Phosphorus
73mg · 10% DV
Sodium
81mg · 4% DV
Potassium ⭐
95mg · 3% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 301 calories in 1 serving (medium) (140 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.
Low-oil semolina helva is a Turkish sweet made by toasting semolina in a modest amount of oil, then cooking it with a sugar syrup or milk until tender. Some home recipes include pine nuts, and the texture can range from soft and spoonable to fluffy and grainy.
It is usually served warm, often after a meal or at a family gathering; in Turkey, helva is also a familiar offering after fish. The toasted, nutty aroma and gentle sweetness make it satisfying, but its energy comes mainly from carbohydrates, with 41.8 g per 100 g. For a lighter finish, take a small portion and serve it with unsweetened tea or coffee.
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.
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
1.54g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.1g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.26g
Omega 6:3 ratio 36.3:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (36.3:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.