saffron desserts recipes: How to Make Persian Sweets like Muscati, Baslogh & More
saffron desserts recipes
If you’re here, you likely want to try your hand at making homemade saffron sweets like Baslogh, Rock Candy (Nabat), Ice Cream, Jam, Cream, and Muscati! I must say, you’re quite the artist, and that’s why we’re here to go through this process together. Furthermore, we’ll learn how to make these delightful treats at home step-by-step. In addition, these recipes will provide you with an opportunity to experiment with Persian dessert traditions.
The Recipe for Saffron Muscati
Ingredients
- Starch: ½ cup
- Sugar: 3 cups
- Water: 7 cups
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (you can substitute butter for oil)
- Ground Saffron: 1 teaspoon
- Cardamom: To taste
- Rosewater: 5 tablespoons
- Crushed Pistachios: To taste
- Crushed Almonds: To taste
saffron desserts recipes-Steps for Making Saffron Muscati
saffron desserts recipes
Step 1: First, soak the starch in water for 10 minutes. Then, mix with 2 cups of water. After straining it, set it aside. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be ready for the next stage of preparation.
Step 2: Next, put the sugar and vegetable oil (or butter) into a pot. Add the remaining water, and stir it until it forms a uniform mixture. I personally prefer using butter over oil for a richer taste. In addition, if you prefer a vegan version, you can stick with vegetable oil.
Step 3: Once the mixture starts to boil, add the starch. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, which might take some time. Consequently, patience is crucial here.
Step 4: After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about two hours while stirring occasionally. This is the part where the base becomes a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Once the two hours are up, add cardamom, and cook for an additional two hours to intensify the flavors. Don’t worry; the extra time brings a wonderful aromatic depth to the sweet.
Step 6: After the second two-hour cooking period, add the saffron. You should have previously brewed the saffron and let it steep for better flavor. Stir well to mix it evenly. Moreover, adding crushed pistachios and almonds will enhance the texture and flavor.
Step 7: When the mixture has cooled slightly, pour it into a dish. Refrigerate until it sets. Once firm, cut it into your desired shape, and enjoy. You’ll notice the delightful texture after the chilling process.
What is Muscati?
In essence, Muscati is a type of Persian halva, traditionally made in different regions of Iran. It’s known for being packed with energy and proteins, which help build muscle. Furthermore, it’s rich in vitamins like A, B, C, E, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it a healthy choice for any occasion.
Saffron Rock Candy (Nabat) Recipe
Ingredients
- Water: 1 cup
- Sugar: 2 cups
- Saffron: As needed
Steps to Make Saffron Nabat
saffron desserts recipes
Step 1: First, brew the saffron, and set it aside to infuse. This is important because the saffron’s essence is what gives this candy its signature flavor.
Step 2: In a pot, combine sugar and water over heat. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves, which forms a saturated solution. This is a crucial step for creating the perfect texture.
Step 3: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat, and let it cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding. During this cooling period, you’ll be setting up for the crystallization phase.
Step 4: Now, pour the syrup into glasses. At this stage, carefully place wooden skewers into the syrup for the sugar crystals to form. Ensure not to disturb the jars as the crystals develop. In the end, you will get beautiful, crunchy sugar crystals that resemble delicate rocks.
How to Prepare Saffron Ice Cream
Ingredients for Saffron Ice Cream
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Milk: 3 cups
- Rosewater: As needed
- Heavy Cream: ⅓ cup
- Thickener: 1 tsp
- Cardamom: To taste
- Saffron: To taste
Steps for Making Saffron Ice Cream
saffron desserts recipes
Step 1: First, brew the saffron in hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes to extract its full flavor. The saffron will create a natural yellow tint when infused.
Step 2: While you wait, heat the milk in a separate pot. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Once it starts boiling, add the thickener and continue stirring to ensure it mixes evenly.
Step 3: After you remove the pot from heat, immediately add the steeped saffron and rosewater for aroma. Continue to mix thoroughly. This step will elevate the ice cream flavor.
Step 4: Once the mixture has cooled, add the cream and cardamom. This addition will give the ice cream a rich, flavorful base. The cardamom gives it a distinctive Persian twist!
Step 5: Then, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze it. Stir the mixture every hour for about three hours to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. After freezing, you will have a velvety treat perfect for summer or any occasion.
Useful Tips When Making Saffron Sweets
saffron desserts recipes
In summary, saffron is an incredibly powerful and aromatic spice. It adds depth and richness to desserts like ice cream and candies. By following these recipes and keeping a few tips in mind, you can create delightful saffron treats that will impress your guests and elevate any special occasion.
Whether you’re making Muscati, Baslogh, or saffron jam, remember that the key to the perfect sweet lies in choosing high-quality saffron. Additionally, respecting the proportions in the recipe is essential for the best results. If you want to try a different variation, consider adding other Persian spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to create unique variations of these sweets.
So now, with these simple yet effective steps, you can confidently make various saffron-infused sweets in your kitchen. Furthermore, once you’ve mastered these recipes, you’ll have a skill set to wow family and friends with delightful treats every season! Happy cooking!
Get Social