Halawa Simsim (Sesame Seed Candy)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Sesame seeds, toasted — 300 g (2 cups)
- Sugar — 250 g (1.25 cups)
- Water — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Lemon juice — 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Vegetable oil, for greasing
Method
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water and lemon juice, and heat over medium heat without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally.
- Cook until the syrup turns a deep amber caramel colour, about 8-10 minutes.
- Immediately stir in the toasted sesame seeds until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared tray and quickly spread it into an even layer, about 1 cm (0.4 in) thick, using an oiled spatula or the back of an oiled spoon.
- Let cool for 5 minutes until just firm enough to hold a shape, then score into small squares or bars with a sharp knife.
- Allow to cool and harden completely, about 30 minutes, before breaking along the scored lines.
Introduction: A crunchy, caramelised treat made from roasted sesame seeds set in hardened sugar, halawa simsim is a favourite sweet across South Sudanese households, often prepared for guests or sold in small pieces at local markets.
Cultural Background: A crunchy, caramelised treat made from roasted sesame seeds set in hardened sugar, halawa simsim is a favourite sweet across South Sudanese households, often prepared for guests or sold in small pieces at local markets. Its simplicity – just sesame and sugar – belies how carefully the caramel must be watched to get right.
Tips: Work quickly once the sesame is stirred in – the caramel sets fast and is easiest to spread and score while still warm. Watch the caramel closely; it can go from amber to burnt within moments.
Variations: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or a few chopped roasted peanuts for extra flavour and crunch. Shape into small balls instead of bars while the mixture is still warm and pliable. Already vegan as written.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: No reheating needed; this is a set candy served at room temperature.
Nutrition: Approx. 190 kcal, 4 g protein, 11 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate, 3 g fibre per serving (2 pieces).
FAQs:
Q: Why did my candy turn out too hard or too soft?
A: This depends on how far the caramel was cooked – a lighter amber caramel gives a slightly softer candy, while a deeper amber gives a harder, more brittle result.
Q: Can I use pre-toasted sesame seeds?
A: Yes, but lightly re-toasting them in a dry pan for a minute or two before use brings out the best aroma.
- Sesame seeds, toasted — 300 g (2 cups)
- Sugar — 250 g (1.25 cups)
- Water — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Lemon juice — 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Vegetable oil, for greasing
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