Arabic & Levantine Pantry Guide
Tahini or halawa? The difference explained simply
Tahini is a pure paste of ground sesame with a savoury, nutty taste. Halawa is a sweet made from tahini and sugar. Tahini goes into hummus and sauces, while halawa is eaten at breakfast or with tea.
Also known as:Sesame pasteTahinaHalvaHalwa
How do they differ in taste and use?
Tahini is runny to creamy, slightly bitter and not sweet. It belongs in hummus, mutabbal and falafel sauces. Halawa is firm and crumbly, clearly sweet and eaten in slices, often with bread, sometimes with pistachios or cocoa.
What should I look for when buying?
Good tahini ideally lists only sesame. Oil rising to the top is normal, just stir it in. Both contain sesame, an allergen. Use tahini for cooking and halawa for something sweet; they cannot replace each other.
