Halva with Goji

No eggs and no dairy make this delectable desert an all star in my book and also super popular in the Greek culture during fasting periods. Throw in crushed walnuts or anything you fancy to make a halva that blends in perfectly for your tribe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 500 grams (~2 cups) semolina

• Rinds of one lemon

• 1 pound organic sugar

• 1 ½ cup light olive oil or veg oil

• 4 tablespoons goji berries

• 4 tablespoons crushed organic walnuts

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

METHOD:

1. Boil 8 cups of water

2. Add your lemon rinds and sugar. Boil until it becomes a syrup.

3. In another heavy pan, add your olive oil on medium / high heat.

4. Add your semolina and continue mixing it with a heat-proof spatula about 5 minutes until it begins to toast and turn a deep golden color.

5. Next, begin to add your syrup to the semolina mixture using a ladle as you continue stirring vigorously (working quickly until the semolina absorbs all the liquid).

   Note: *your semolina is going to sizzle and splatter so be careful.

6. Stir in your goji berries.

7. Cover your pot and let cool for at least 10 minutes.

8. Spoon the mixture into individual ramekins. Allow to cool to room temp before serving.

   *To serve I like to sprinkle with cinnamon and a spoonful of vanilla bean ice cream!