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Desserts

Xalwo (Djiboutian Halva)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 120 g Cornflour (cornstarch)
  • 300 g Sugar
  • 500 ml Water
  • 100 g Ghee
  • 3g Ground cardamom
  • 1g Ground nutmeg
  • 50 g Chopped peanuts or almonds

Method

  1. Whisk the cornflour into the water in a bowl until completely smooth, with no lumps.
  2. In a heavy-based saucepan, dissolve the sugar in a splash of water over medium heat until it turns a light golden colour.
  3. Carefully whisk in the cornflour mixture, stirring constantly as it thickens into a glossy paste.
  4. Add the ghee gradually, a spoonful at a time, stirring continuously as the mixture becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cardamom and nutmeg.
  6. Fold in most of the chopped nuts, reserving some for garnish.
  7. Pour into a greased dish, smooth the top, and scatter over the reserved nuts.
  8. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares or diamonds.

Introduction: Xalwo, meaning simply ‘sweet,’ is a treasured confection served at weddings, Eid celebrations and other festive occasions across Djibouti.

Cultural Background: Xalwo, meaning simply ‘sweet,’ is a treasured confection served at weddings, Eid celebrations and other festive occasions across Djibouti. Its glossy, chewy texture and fragrant cardamom-nutmeg perfume make it a centrepiece of hospitality, often offered to guests alongside tea.

Tips: Stir constantly and patiently once the ghee is added — rushing this step is the main cause of xalwo not setting properly.

Variations: Some households add a few strands of saffron or a drop of rosewater for extra fragrance. Use a plant-based butter alternative instead of ghee for a vegan xalwo.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Reheating: Not required — xalwo is served at room temperature.

Nutrition: Per piece: approx. 150 kcal, 1g protein, 20g carbohydrate, 8g fat, 0.5g fibre.

FAQs

Q: Why isn’t my xalwo setting?
A: It likely needs longer, patient stirring over gentle heat — the mixture should turn glossy and pull cleanly from the pan sides before it’s ready to pour.

Q: Can I make it nut-free?
A: Yes, simply omit the nuts or replace with toasted sesame seeds for texture.

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