------ HALVAS ------ (Semolina and Almond Cake) Ingredients The traditional golden formula for halva is counting 1, 2, 3, 4. What this means is: 1 cup olive oil 2 cups coarse semolina 3 cups of sugar 4 cups of water. Nowadays, people reduce the amount of sugar from 3 to 2 cups and also instead of olive oil they may use sunflower seed oil. You will also need: 100 gr. blanched almonds 2 tablespoons of cinnamon for sprinkling on top Serves 8 o Put the oil in a large saucepan on a medium heat and when it is almost smoking hot gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously until it turns light brown. o Reduce the heat, add the almonds and brown together, stirring - it is a matter of taste how brown you will let it get. o In the meantime, dilute 2 cups of sugar in the water and boil for 3-4 minutes. o Withdraw the semolina from the heat, and add the hot syrup while stirring. o Return to a gentle heat and keep stirring until the mixture looks smooth. o When almost all the moisture has been absorbed add the remaining sugar. o Cover the halva with a clean tea towel and let it stand for 10 minutes to absorb moisture. o Empty it into a fluted mould or a cake tin, and when cold unmould onto a platter and dust all over with cinnamon.