The Story Behind Oman’s Famous Traditional Sweet

Make Traditional Halwa in Your Kitchen

You can recreate this beautiful Omani tradition in your own home. Use this simple home-style recipe to impress your family today.

Essential Ingredients

• Buy one cup of tapioca flour or cornstarch.

• Keep three-quarters of a cup of water for the flour.

• Measure exactly two cups of white or brown sugar.

• Set aside two cups of water for your sugar syrup.

• Scoop one tablespoon of rich clarified butter or ghee.

• Soak a pinch of saffron in warm water.

• Add one tablespoon of fragrant rose water.

• Grind one-quarter teaspoon of fresh cardamom.

• Roast one tablespoon of sesame seeds.

• Chop one-quarter cup of roasted cashews and almonds.

Cooking Method

1. Whisk the tapioca flour and water until completely smooth.

2. Stir your saffron, cardamom, and rose water into the flour mixture.

3. Toast the cashews and almonds gently using a non-stick pan.

4. Boil the sugar and two cups of water to create a syrup.

5. Pour the spiced flour mixture into the hot syrup slowly.

6. Stir the mixture constantly on low heat for twenty minutes.

7. Add the roasted nuts and sesame seeds as the mixture thickens.

Download the recipe card here:

1. Transfer the glossy sweets into lightly greased small bowls quickly.

2. Serve the warm dessert alongside traditional Omani coffee.

Pro Cooking Tips

Constant stirring prevents annoying lumps and stops the mixture from burning. High-quality rose water and saffron define the true character of the dessert. The final texture should feel firm and slightly bouncy.

Check out our life section to discover more authentic Omani dessert recipes!