John Myers
Introduction
Iran has a rich culinary heritage that is reflected in its desserts. The country is known for using nuts as a key ingredient in their sweets, and these nuts are used in a variety of desserts such as baklava, ghotab, sohan asali, sholezard, and baghlava. Nuts not only add flavor, but also texture and nutrition to the desserts.
Baklava
Baklava is a popular Iranian dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry that are filled with chopped nuts, usually pistachios, and sweetened with syrup or honey. The pastry is typically cut into diamond or square shapes and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and Eid celebrations. Baklava is not only popular in Iran but also in other Middle Eastern countries, Greece, and Turkey.
Ghotab
Ghotab is a traditional Iranian pastry that is made with a sweet dough that is filled with a mixture of ground nuts, usually almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, and cardamom. The pastry is then shaped into crescents or half-moon shapes and baked until golden brown. Ghotab is usually served as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Sohan Asali
Sohan Asali is an Iranian dessert that is made with caramelized sugar, saffron, and almonds. The mixture is cooked until it forms a toffee-like consistency, and is then spread onto a greased surface and cut into diamond shapes. Sohan Asali is usually served as a sweet snack and is often given as a gift during holidays and special occasions.
Sholezard
Sholezard is a traditional Iranian rice pudding that is made with rice, sugar, saffron, and rose water. The dessert is flavored with cinnamon and is often topped with slivered almonds or pistachios. Sholezard is typically served during religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Baghlava
Baghlava is a popular Iranian dessert that is made with layers of phyllo pastry that are filled with ground nuts, usually almonds or pistachios, and sweetened with syrup or honey. The pastry is often cut into diamond shapes and is served during special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and Eid celebrations. Baghlava is not only popular in Iran but also in other Middle Eastern countries.
