Halvaitar

Instructions

1. 1 Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat, then add flour gradually while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps forming.
2. 2 Toast the flour in butter for twenty to twenty-five minutes, stirring without pause, until it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty.
3. 3 Meanwhile dissolve sugar in water in a separate saucepan, bring to a boil, add saffron and vanilla, then simmer for five minutes.
4. 4 Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the toasted flour mixture while stirring vigorously — it will bubble and steam dramatically.
5. 5 Continue stirring over low heat for five more minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth, glossy, fudge-like mass that pulls away.
6. 6 Spread into an oiled serving dish, press chopped walnuts into the surface, and let cool before cutting into diamond-shaped pieces.