Tapioca Pudding with Nuts (Omani Halwa)

omani-halwa Omani halwa is a gelatinous and sticky sweet that is commonly served at weddings, birthdays, festivities, and during the holy week of Ramadan. The ingredients vary from one halwa-maker to another, but the base is usually made with water, sugar, ghee butter, and cornflour. Halwas can be flavoured with anything from rosewater and saffron to dried fruits and nuts. Aromatic and extremely flavourful, Omani halwa is traditionally served with kahwa (coffee).

1 cup tapioca flour
¾ cup water
2 cups sugar
¼ tsp. red food colouring
1 pinch saffron strands
1 Tbsp. ghee
1 Tbsp. rosewater
¼ tsp. cardamom
¼ tsp. nutmeg
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds, roasted
¼ cup cashew nuts
¼ cup almonds, sliced and blanched

In a bowl, mix together the tapioca flour and water.

Add in the food colouring and mix until all is combined, set aside.

Heat the ghee is a non-stick pan and add in the cashews and almonds. Roast until slightly brown and set aside.

In a saucepan combine the 2 cups of water and sugar together and bring to a boil until the sugar is totally dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

Next heat up the sugar/water mixture over a low flame. Add in the tapioca mixture. Add in the nutmeg, cardamom and saffron into the pot. Keep stirring until the halwa starts to pull away from the side of the pan.

Keep stirring and when it seems nice and gelatinous, add in the rose water, sesame seeds, and roasted cashews and almonds.

Turn off the heat and put the halwa in serving bowls and garnish with additional nuts if desired. It can be served either hot or cold.

Makes 12 servings.