Persian desserts hold a particular place in the hearts of many foodies worldwide. This tea-drinking culture provides a wide range of delectable sweet treats suitable for both casual pleasure and special occasions. You'll note that rosewater, saffron, almonds, and cardamom are frequently included as the star of these well-liked treats. Simple yet delicate and very delicious, these meals are simple enough for any home cook to prepare.
If you're a sucker for sweets, you're in for a big treat. Let’s take an unusual journey through the best sweets from Iran's culinary world.
Faloodeh
Faloodeh, unlike the Sicily-style granita that most people are familiar with, is a frozen dessert made of vermicelli rice noodles drowned in rosewater and lime syrup. It is one of Iran's earliest frozen desserts, and it is still commonly available in most ice cream shops. Frozen noodles may not seem appealing, but it will take your taste senses by surprise from the first bite. It's chewy, sweet, sour, and very refreshing all at the same time. It's no surprise that this rosewater granita is so popular during the hot summer months. If you get faloodeh from an Iranian street seller, you can add extra toppings like saffron, pistachios, or groundnuts to your liking.
Noon khamei
Noon khamei is an enticing Iranian puff pastry. The crunchy, golden shells are stuffed with light, fluffy whipped cream. In essence, it's a wonderful delicacy flavoured with vanilla and rosewater. Though this dessert appears to have come straight from your favourite patisserie, it's actually a breeze to make in the comfort of your own home. To enhance the spectacular look, most people delicately coat it with powdered sugar. These cream puffs are the perfect way to complete your next dinner party, especially when paired with a steaming cup of Persian tea.
Shir berenj
Shir berenj is a traditional Persian milky rice pudding that is offered at Iftar, the evening meal of Ramadan. It's largely made of rice and milk to give it a creamy texture, and it's scented with genuine rosewater. Without this traditional dessert, no vacation to Iran is complete. Shir berenj can be topped with fruits, nuts, melted chocolate, or drizzled with maple syrup.
Depending on your preferences, you can reduce the amount of milk or sugar. Rice pudding is something that most Iranians eat as children. This delicacy, in addition to being a delightful cold dessert, also makes an tasty nibble whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Kachi
It's reasonable to assume that every Middle Eastern cuisine has its own version of halva. Halva is a dessert from Egypt, though it differs greatly from this Persian-style halva. The rice or wheat flour is washed in pure saffron and rosewater, which gives it a golden colour and a delicate scent. Aside from being delicious, halva pudding is also known for its nutritious properties. In reality, this traditional meal is frequently prepared for mothers of newly-born children to help them recover rapidly.
Kachi is a simple dish that anyone can make at home. If you wish to add another layer of flavour, sprinkle some almonds, walnuts, or pistachios on top, while the pudding thickens.
Ghorabieh tabriz
Ghorabieh is a sort of shortbread biscuit that originated in Tabriz, an Iranian city known for its sweets and baked goods. This traditional recipe calls for ground almonds, flour, sugar, and egg whites, all of which you may already have on hand. This sweet treat has a special place in Iranian cuisine since it is soft, chewy, and delicious without being overly sweet. After dinner, it's customary to serve these delectable winter treats with a warm cup of tea or coffee. While ghorabieh is filling on its own, you may add your own spin by sprinkling pistachios or almond slices on top. If you happen to visit Iran during a festive season, you won't want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind delicacy.
It goes without saying that Persians have a soft spot for sweets. There are surely no shortages of beautiful desserts in their culture. From fluffy cookies to sumptuous pastries, these delicacies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.