The root extract (halawa extract) is sometimes used as flavoring in the making of a Middle Eastern snack called halva. The later French version of the recipe, called pâte de guimauve (or guimauve for short), included an egg white meringue and was often flavored with rose water.

What is Halawa used for?

Halawa is a sweet tahini Middle Eastern dessert, that can be stuffed into pita pockets or used as a fun topping for desserts. Hawala can be even enjoyed straight from the tub.

What is Israeli halva made of?

The halvah is almost always parve. Israeli halvah will usually not contain wheat flour or semolina, but will contain sesame tahini, glucose, sugar, vanilla and Saponaria officinalis (soapwort) root extracts, which are not usually found in other recipes.