Saffron Desserts for Yalda Night: 5 Delicious Ideas

Saffron desserts for Yalda Night have always been a cherished part of Persian cuisine. Indeed, these traditional sweets bring a special touch to the celebration. Yalda Night, the longest night of the year, is celebrated by Iranians on December 21st with family gatherings, reading poetry from Hafez, and indulging in fruits, nuts, and sweets. Among these, a saffron dessert is an absolute must. In this article, we’ll explore five delectable saffron dessert recipes that are perfect for Yalda Night.

Saffron Panna Cotta with Gelatin

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup sugar
• 100g heavy cream
• 1.5 tablespoons rosewater
• 2 teaspoons strong saffron infusion

Instructions:

To prepare this saffron dessert, start by soaking the ground saffron in warm water. Allow it to steep for 20 minutes so that it can release its color and aroma. Then, in a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar together, stirring until the sugar dissolves (don’t let it boil). Next, dissolve the gelatin powder in cold water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, and microwave it for 15 seconds until it becomes liquid. Add this gelatin mixture to the warm milk, then stir in the rosewater and saffron infusion. Mix well and remove from heat. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Afterward, add the heavy cream and blend thoroughly. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate until it sets. Garnish with rose petals or pistachio slivers. Your saffron panna cotta is now ready to serve!

Saffron Rice Pudding (Ferni)

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons sugar
• Rosewater, to taste
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• A pinch of vanilla
• Saffron, to taste

Instructions:

For this saffron dessert, first steep the saffron. Then, in a saucepan, mix the sugar and rice flour, and slowly add the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, add the saffron infusion, rosewater, and vanilla. Stir well, and allow it to cool. This creamy saffron rice pudding is ready for serving!

Saffron Custard (Mushkofi or Saffron Dessert)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• A pinch of vanilla
• 1 tablespoon rosewater
• Saffron, to taste

Instructions:

Start by dissolving the cornstarch in some milk and straining it. Then, heat this mixture over low heat, adding the remaining milk and sugar. Once it thickens, stir in the saffron infusion, vanilla, and rosewater. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate for a couple of hours until it sets. Your saffron custard is now ready!

Saffron Mousse

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 100g heavy cream
• 120g powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
• Saffron, to taste

Instructions:

Dissolve the gelatin in cold water and heat it gently until smooth. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Then, add the cream, saffron, and powdered sugar, and gently fold in the gelatin mixture. Spoon the mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This mousse will be light and fluffy once set.

Saffron Maqout (Wheat Starch Dessert)

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup wheat starch
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rosewater
• 1 tablespoon almond slivers
• 2 tablespoons strong saffron infusion

Instructions:

For this saffron dessert, mix the wheat starch and sugar in water and heat until thickened. After that, add the saffron and rosewater, stirring constantly. Pour into serving dishes, sprinkle with almond slivers, and refrigerate for a few hours until set.

Conclusion

These saffron desserts are perfect for Yalda Night, adding a special touch to your celebration. Whether you choose the panna cotta, rice pudding, custard, mousse, or maqout, each one brings the distinctive flavor of saffron to your table. Furthermore, these traditional Persian sweets will create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Enjoy the flavors of saffron this Yalda Night!