Halva (or halawa, haleweh, elwa, halvah, halava, helava, helva, halwa, aluva) refers to many types of dense, sweet confections, served across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, the Balkans, and the Jewish world. This term is used to describe two types of desserts: Flour based: This type of halva is slightly gelatinous and made from grain flour, typically semolina. The primary ingredients are oil, flour, and sugar. Nut-butter based: This type of halva is crumbly and usually made from Tahini (sesame paste) or other nut butters, such as sunflower seed butter. The primary ingredients are nut-butter and sugar. Halva may also be based on numerous other ingredients, including sunflower seeds, various nuts, beans, lentils, and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, yams, and squashes.