Do you know what the well-known Persian desserts are? Do you know anything about the Persian desserts for special events like Nowruz? What are the essential ingredients to make Persian desserts? What is the essential sweetener in Iranian desserts? Have you ever experienced anyone? If you like to discover new things from Persia, please keep reading.
Persian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, and the selection of high-quality and aromatic spices, and Persian desserts are no exception. Persian desserts are among the most famous desserts you may find on the planet due to the selection of nuts and spices; in fact, they are delicious energizers from Iran that everyone must try.
This time we want to take you on an exciting journey in the aromatic world of Persian spices that give birth to tasty desserts such as Baklava, Faloodeh, Sholezard, and Bastani Sonnati. Let’s discover other tasty Persian desserts and enjoy their aroma and color.
What Are the Most Popular Persian Desserts?
Persian desserts refer to a vast collection of items signifying Iranian pastry identity. Indeed, Iranian people take advantage of various Persian spices to weave magic and make delectable desserts. The most popular Persian desserts are:
- Baklava;
- Shir Berenj;
- Zoolbia and Bamiyeh;
- Faloodeh;
- Halva;
- Ghotab;
- Bastani Sonnati;
- Koloocheh;
- Sholezard;
- Sohan;
- Shirmal;
- Gaz;
- Noghl;
- Nan-e Nokhodchi;
- Ranginak;
- Gerdooee;
- Fereni;
- Ghotab Keshmeshi
- Baghlava Gaz
- Poolaki.
Baklava
Baklava is a tender Iranian dessert made with phyllo dough and filled with nuts (usually pistachios) and honey syrup. It is a famous Iranian dessert that is served in many Middle Eastern countries. If you travel to Iran, you may enjoy it in different cities like Qazvin, Yazd, Tabriz, Tehran, and Kashan.
Gaz
Gaz is a tender Persian nougat candy made with pistachios, almonds, rose water, and egg whites. The candy has a chewy and slightly sticky texture and is often cut into small squares or rectangles for serving. This traditional Iranian sweet is popular during holidays and special occasions and is often served with tea. It originates from Isfahan and is a famous souvenir of this city.
Ghotab Keshmeshi
Ghotab Keshmeshi is a delectable Persian pastry resembling Ghotab (mentioned earlier) but with raisins. The pastry is filled with raisins, cardamom, and walnuts and is often served during the Persian New Year celebrations.
Baghlava Gaz
Baghlava Gaz is a Persian nougat made with honey, pistachios, and egg whites. The ingredients are mixed and then cooked until they form a thick, sticky paste.
Shir Berenj
Shir Berenj, or rice pudding, is an ancient Persian dessert made with white ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, and rose water. Iranians garnish Shir Berenj with chopped pistachios and serve it warm or cold. Indeed, during the cold months, it is served warm and consumed cold during the cold months.
Zoolbia and Bamiyeh
Zoolbia and Bamiyeh are deep-fried crispy pastries served especially during Ramadan, although they are available at other times. Bamiyeh is made with wheat flour, yogurt, and saffron, while Zoolbia (named Jalebi) consists ofyogurt, starch, flour, and baking powder. Then Iranians make a thick syrup with honey, sugar, and rose water to sweeten these tasty Persian desserts.
Faloodeh
Faloodeh is among the best Persian desserts made with thin vermicelli noodles, rose water, and sugar syrup. This mouthwatering Persian frozen dessert is often served with ice cream and garnished with chopped pistachios. On sweltering days, you can refresh your body with Faloodeh.
Halva
Halva is among the easy to make Persian desserts and is served on various occasions, too, like religious ceremonies. This sweet Persian dessert is made with flour, water, sugar, oil, and rose water. This popular dessert is often served with a cup of black tea in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
Sholehzard
Persian desserts are known for using unique flavors and aromatic spices like saffron and rose water. Sholehzard is one of the easy Persian desserts made with saffron, rose water, and sugar and garnished with cinnamon and chopped pistachios. This yellowish rice pudding is often served during special occasions like religious ceremonies.
Ghotab
Ghotab is among the famous Iranian desserts made in Yazd province. This crescent pastry is filled with nuts, cardamom, and rose water. It is often dusted with powdered sugar and is a popular dessert during the Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebration.
Noghl
Noghl is a sweet confection made with sugar, rose water, and nuts like almonds or pistachios. It is a famous souvenir of Iran and is often served with tea. Noghl symbolizes happiness and joy and is mainly used at weddings.
Bastani Sonnati
If you are looking for Persian desserts with saffron, Bastani Sonnati is yours. This traditional Persian ice cream consists of saffron, cream, rose water, and pistachios. It is sometimes served with Faloodeh (a delicious Persian dessert described in the above paragraphs), although most people enjoy its authentic taste without noodles.
Sohan
Sohan is a traditional Iranian dessert made in Qom. The main ingredients are flour, butter, sugar, honey, rose water, and saffron, often garnished with tiny pistachios.
Nan-e Berenji
Nan-e Berenji is a famous Iranian dessert that is made in Kermanshah province, and its main ingredients are rice flour, saffron, sugar, and rose water. You may enjoy it with tea at your gatherings.
Koloocheh
Koloocheh, or cookie, is a type of stuffed pastry that is popular in Iran during the Persian New Year celebration. They are often filled with nuts like walnut or sweet spices like cardamom. If you are looking for the most delicious Persian desserts, adding them to your list is highly recommended.
Shirmal
Shirmal is a type of famous sweet bread in Iran. Iranian people make it with flour, sugar, milk, and saffron. This healthy Persian dessert is mainly served with tea or other warm Persian drinks such as Damnoosh.
Nan-e Nokhodchi
Nan-e Nokhodchi is another tasty pastry in the list of Persian desserts that originates from Kermanshah. This Persian chickpea dessert is made with chickpea flour, oil, sugar, and cardamom, then is flavored with rose water.
Ranginak
Ranginak is among the traditional Persian desserts made with dates, flour, walnuts, and cardamom. Iranians mix the ingredients to make a dough and then bake it. Finally, they garnish it with sweet syrup.
Gerdooee
Gerdooee, or walnut cookie, is made with flour, sugar, egg, and almonds. It is one of the famous Iranian cookies that lack oil but are flavored with cardamom. It is highly popular during Yalda Night and Nowruz.
Fereni
Fereni is a delectable Persian pudding made with rice flour, milk, sugar, and rose water. This white dessert is usually topped with chopped nuts like pistachio. If you are vegetarian, you may enjoy it; however, Fereni is not among the vegan Persian desserts.
Poolaki
Poolaki is a Persian candy made with malt syrup, sugar, and seeds like sesame. The ingredients are mixed and then formed into small balls or sticks. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is a popular snack in Iran.
How Do Persian Desserts Differ from Other Middle Eastern Desserts?
Persian desserts have unique flavors and characteristics that set them apart from other Middle Eastern desserts. Here are some of how Persian desserts differ:
- Use of floral flavors: Persian desserts often incorporate floral flavors like rosewater and saffron, which give them a distinctive taste and aroma;
- Use of nuts: Nuts like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are a common ingredient in many Persian desserts, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor;
- Use of fruits: Persian desserts often use dried fruits like dates, figs, and apricots, as well as fresh fruits like pomegranates and oranges, to add sweetness and tartness;
- Less use of honey: While honey is a common sweetener in many Middle Eastern desserts, Persian desserts use more sugar and sometimes syrup;
- Emphasis on presentation: Persian desserts are often beautifully presented, with intricate designs and decorations made from nuts, dried fruits, and edible flowers.
Persian desserts have a unique flavor profile and presentation style that distinguishes them from other Middle Eastern desserts.
Are There any Vegan or Gluten-free Persian Desserts?
Yes, several Persian desserts are vegan or gluten-free, or both. Here are some examples:
- Sholeh Zard: This saffron-infused rice pudding is naturally gluten-free;
- Faloodeh: This refreshing dessert made with thin vermicelli noodles, rosewater, sugar, and lime juice is typically vegan and gluten-free;
- Baklava: While traditional baklava is made with wheat-based dough, gluten-free alternatives use rice flour or chickpea flour. Vegan versions can be made by replacing the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil;
- Noghl: This sweet and crunchy candy made with sugar-coated almonds, pistachios, or walnuts is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
While some Persian desserts may contain gluten or dairy, there are plenty of options for those who follow a vegan or gluten-free diet.
What Are the Common Ingredients Used in Persian Desserts?
Overall, Persian desserts are known for employing exotic spices and natural ingredients like rose water, saffron, and pistachios. They are often served during special occasions and signify Persian cuisine and culture. The well-known ingredients used in Persian desserts are:
- Rose water is a natural ingredient in Persian desserts and is employed to provide a delicate aroma;
- Saffron is a yellowish and expensive spice in Persian cuisine and is often used due to its aroma and color;
- Pistachio is a popular nut in Persian cuisine, and Iranian people take advantage of it as a topping or filling;
- Almond is another popular nut in Persian cuisine used for garnish;
- Walnuts are commonly used in various desserts and are often mixed with cardamom and cinnamon;
- The date is a sweet and sticky fruit that originates from southern cities and is often used as a filling in pastries and cookies;
- Cardamom is an aromatic spice in Persian cuisine and is highly used in desserts to add a warm and slightly sweet flavor;
- Honey is a natural sweetener available in various parts of Iran and is used due to its extraordinary feature.
All in all, Persian desserts are known for using natural ingredients and aromatic spices, which come together to create unique and delicious flavors.
What Are Some Traditional Persian Desserts That Use Honey as a Sweetener?
Honey is a beneficial natural sweetener in Persian cuisine, especially in desserts. This part reveals some examples of Iranian desserts that use honey as a sweetener:
- Halva;
- Gerdooee;
- Koloocheh;
- Baklava;
- Basrani Sonnati;
- Fereni.
These are just a few examples of traditional Persian desserts that use honey instead of sugar. Honey is a versatile ingredient that adds a rich and complex flavor to desserts, and it is often used with other natural ingredients like nuts, spices, and fruit to create unique tastes.
What Are Popular Persian Desserts for the Winter Months?
Iranian people make tasty desserts for the cold months, including:
- Halva;
- Sholehzard;
- Fereni;
- Kachi (a type of sweet dessert that is made with flour, sugar, and oil and is often flavored with cardamom and rose water.)
These tasty desserts are decadent, delicious, and made with warming spices and ingredients to balance the body’s temperature. We have good news for you if you are looking for more delicious items from Persia or want to find delectable foods or Persian desserts for Nowruz.
Our store includes a significant number of Persian cookbooks whose recipes are gathered by our native author, Sajjad Khojasteh. You may find different dishes, drinks, and desserts in our books that belong to specific parts of Iran. If you need a helping hand to select a good book, we always stay by your side and behind our products. Let’s start discovery of Persian cuisine.
Do These Desserts Have a Cultural Significance in Iran?
Undoubtedly, Persian desserts have a critical role in Iran’s culture and are an essential part of Persian cuisine. They are a symbol of hospitality and are often served during special occasions and celebrations, such as:
- Weddings;
- Religious holidays;
- and family gatherings.
In addition, certain desserts are associated with specific occasions or seasons. For example, Sholehzard is often served during religious ceremonies, while Halva is prepared during the winter months. It is worth mentioning that Iranian desserts also have symbolic significance; for instance, rose water symbolizes love, while saffron signifies wealth and prosperity.
Furthermore, preparing desserts is an essential aspect of Persian culture and is often a way to connect and build relationships. In Persian culture, refusing food or drink when offered is considered impolite, and dessert is no exception. Serving desserts to guests is a way to show respect and create a sense of community and togetherness.
Jump into the Colorful World of Persian Dessert
If you’re a sweet treats and exotic flavors fan, Persian desserts will pique your interest. With a history dating back thousands of years, Persian cuisine has given rise to various delectable desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Persian desserts are a feast for the senses, from the honey and nut-filled nougat known as gaz to the rosewater-infused ice cream called Bassani. Many of these desserts feature saffron, cardamom, and pistachios, giving them a unique and aromatic taste.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at making Persian desserts and foods yourself, then our cookbooks are the perfect resource for you. Our collection of recipes includes traditional favorites like baklava and shole zard, as well as lesser-known treats like faloodeh and zoolbia.
With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, our book makes it easy to recreate these delicious desserts in the comfort of your own home. So why not expand your culinary horizons and explore the world of Persian desserts? Order our book and start indulging in these sweet and exotic treats!
The Unforgettable Taste of Persian Desserts
Persian desserts are often made with natural ingredients and are known for their delicate flavors and textures. They are an essential part of Persian cuisine and culture and are enjoyed by people worldwide.
They are rich in tasty ingredients like nuts, rose water, and saffron. They are often served during special occasions and celebrations like Nowruz. Iranian people’s hospitality has gone beyond the borders so everyone can enjoy the authentic taste of Persian cuisine and desserts.
In this article, we at the GetBookOnline team tried to introduce new desserts from Persia and help you know this ancient country’s eating habits excellently. However, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about Persian cuisine or Iran’s eating culture; we are at your service on 7/24. Wait for exciting things from Persia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Delicious Dessert in Iran?
Anybody who has tested Bastani Sonnati confessed that it is the best thing he found in Iran. It is worth mentioning that it is the top dessert in the world.
What Are Iranian National Desserts?
Baklava is known as a famous national dessert in Iran.
Which Desserts Are Popular in Iran?
Some famous desserts in Iran are Ranginak, Faloodeh, Koloocheh, and Bastani Sonnati.
Where To Eat Faloodeh?
Faloodeh originates from the city of poetry and nightingale, Shiraz. If you like to test the authentic taste of Faloodeh, Shiraz waits for you.
How Do Iranians Use Rose Water in Desserts?
Iranian people use rose water in different desserts, so if you look for Persian desserts with rose water, we can refer to Bastani Sonnati, Faloodeh, Sholehzard, etc.