Discover the Flavors of Persian Cuisine
Uncovering the Secrets of Saffron Ice Cream
To gain a deeper understanding of Persian culinary traditions, we sought the expertise of renowned culinary authority Najmieh Batmanglij. From her book New Food of Life, we uncovered the secrets of a unique and delicious dessert: saffron ice cream.
Essential Ingredients
To create this exotic treat, you’ll need a few specialty ingredients. Sahlab, a starch made from powdered root, can be found in Middle Eastern markets or online. Note that the US version is often mixed with cornstarch, so be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly. Mastic, a resin with a piney flavor, is also a must-have. Choose high-quality saffron threads, as powdered saffron can be adulterated with turmeric. Finally, rose water adds a delicate, floral note to the ice cream.
A Recipe Fit for Royalty
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons powdered sahlab
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mastic
- 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron dissolved in 3 tablespoons rose water
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons slivered pistachios for decoration
Crafting the Perfect Scoop
Dissolve the sahlab in 1 cup cold milk, mixing until smooth. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining milk and sugar, bringing to a boil over medium heat. Add the sahlab mixture and mastic, simmering until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the saffron-rose water mixture. Allow to cool for 2 hours before churning in an ice cream machine.
The Finishing Touches
Once the ice cream is churned, pour a thin layer of whipping cream into a flat plate and freeze until a 1/4-inch crust forms. Break off pieces of the crust and mix with the finished ice cream. Transfer to a press-in-lid plastic container and store in the freezer to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the saffron ice cream in small crystal bowls, garnished with ground pistachios. As you take your first bite, remember the Persian phrase “Nush-e Jan!” – a wish for good health and happiness.
Variation: A Simplified Approach
If you’re short on time, try using 1 pint of vanilla ice cream as a base. Mix in frozen cream pieces, saffron-rose water, and slivered pistachios for a delicious and easy dessert.
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