Halva Smoothie (Cardamom Tahini Rose Smoothie)

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Inspired by one of my favorite Middle Eastern desserts, this decadent Halva Smoothie combines some of my favorite flavors—rose, tahini, cardamom, and honey—in one creamy, delicately aromatic frozen treat. 

In case you’re new to halva, it’s a sesame seed-based candy popular in the Middle East, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. I tried halva for the first time while visiting Seed + Mill at the Chelsea Market in New York, and I was amazed—its nutty, sweet, and aromatic taste and flaky yet fudgy texture was unlike anything I’d ever tasted before. 

Made with tahini, honey, rosewater, and cardamom, this smoothie combines some of my favorite flavors common in Persian, Middle Eastern and Turkish desserts. Feel free to adjust the spices as you like—if you’re not a big fan of cardamom, I recommend using less and swapping it out for cinnamon! 

Halva Smoothie (Cardamom Tahini Rose Smoothie)

Makes one smoothie

Ingredients:

• 6 oz oat milk 

• Splash of rosewater 

• 2 frozen bananas

• 2 tbsp tahini 

• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla 

• Dash of cardamom (about 1/8 tsp)

• Optional: dried food-grade rose petals and chopped pistachios for garnish
  

To make:

1. In a blender, combine the oat milk, rosewater, frozen bananas, tahini, honey, vanilla, and cardamom. Blend on high for 30 seconds, then lower the blender to medium speed and continuing blending until completely smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and top with with chopped pistachio and dried rose petals (if using). Enjoy!!

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