Iced Coffee Persian Style (Cafe Gelase)
It seems every nation has its spin on iced coffee, and Persia is no exception with its delightful take called Café Gelasè. This indulgent treat is the perfect mix of coffee and dessert, making it an ideal choice for a Sunday afternoon or a special dessert to impress.
My first taste of Café Gelasè was at the Sheraton Hotel in Tehran with my dad when I was just six years old. Despite my tender age, I still recall the deliciously smooth and cold blend of chocolate and coffee. “Six years old?!” you might exclaim. Well, in Iran, no one’s ever too young to enjoy tea or coffee!
Sharbat-e Khakshir - Flixweed Seeds Drink
Sharbate Khakshir or Khake Shir is a refreshing Persian drink and it is mostly used as a thirst quencher on hot summer days in Iran.
The mixture of Khake Shir and saffron makes the perfect luxurious drink for you and your guests at your next summer garden parties.
Khoresh Mast – Sweet Saffron Yogurt
Khoresh Mast is a tasty side dish from Esfahan which translates to yogurt stew, however it is actually a side dish. Sweet saffron yogurt is one way to describe it. It is cooked like stew or pudding actually, but this is not the traditional method of preparing it, I am told.
In order to achieve the creamy consistency, we need to bring the soft yogurt, like Greek style yogurt, to boil together with egg yolks and then keep it cool in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This allows it to firm into a rich, creamy yogurt.
Shole Zard - Persian Saffron Rice Pudding
Shole Zard is an aromatic Persian Saffron Rice Pudding. The floral fragrance of saffron and rose water, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and cardamom make this dessert a treat for all senses. Shole Zard is made with water instead of milk. That makes it much lighter than the regular rice pudding. It does not lack in flavour though! On the contrary - It’s full of classic Persian flavours: Saffron, rose, cinnamon and cardamom, topped with pistachios.