Bastani Sonati: A Simple Homemade Recipe

Bastani or saffron ice cream is one of the most authentic and popular Iranian desserts, made with a unique combination of saffron, rose water, cream, and pistachios. This ice cream is not only a cool treat for hot days, but also part of the Iranian cultural and culinary identity.

Bastani has an elastic texture, a pleasant aroma, and a deep flavor that distinguishes it from many Western ice creams. In this article, you will learn in full about the history, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, properties, possible harms, and golden tips for making traditional Iranian Sheer Yakh.

What is Iranian Bastani?

Iranian Bastani, known in the world as Persian Ice Cream or Saffron Ice Cream, is a type of saffron ice cream that is made using saffron. The presence of saffron creates the elastic and special texture of this ice cream and is very similar to the famous Afghan ice cream. This Iranian ice cream is usually decorated with pistachio slices, whipped cream, and sometimes almond slices, and is also served with Shirazi Faloodeh.

Ingredients for Iranian Bastani Sonati (4 people)

For this dessert, you should use fresh and high-fat ingredients to experience its true taste.

Full-fat milk	1 liter
Sugar	300 grams
Thaaleb	1 tablespoon
Thick-brewed saffron	3 tablespoons
Rose water	2 tablespoons
Full-fat cream	100 grams

For decoration

• Pistachio slices: as needed
• Almond slices (optional)

How to make Iranian Bastani Sonati step by step

Step 1: Preparing Thaaleb

Mix the Thaaleb with sugar thoroughly until it does not form lumps. This step is very important, and the final quality of the ice cream depends on it.

Step 2: Heating the milk

Put the milk in a suitable pot over low heat until it is warm, but not boiling.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Salt

Add the sugar and salt mixture slowly and gradually to the milk and stir at the same time until it dissolves completely.

Step 4: Add Saffron and Rose Water

After the liquid thickens, add the brewed saffron and rose water. The color and aroma of the ice cream are formed at this stage.

Step 5: Cool

Remove the ice cream liquid from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Then place it in a sealed container in the freezer.

Step 6: Stir periodically

Every 30 to 45 minutes, remove the ice cream from the freezer and stir well with a whisk or spoon to break up the ice crystals. Repeat this 4 to 5 times.

Step 7: Add Cream and Pistachios

In the final step, add the whipped cream and sliced ​​pistachios and put the ice cream back in the freezer until it hardens completely.

Golden tips for professional traditional ice cream

• Be sure to use real saffron
• Do not add too much saffron
• Full-fat milk creates a better flavor
• Regular stirring softens the texture of the ice cream
• Do not pour too much rose water so that the flavor does not dominate

Properties of Iranian Bastani Sonati

1- Energy source

The presence of sugar and fat provides quick energy to the body.

2- Boosts mood

Saffron has antidepressant properties and can improve mood.

3- Sedative

Rose water has a calming effect on the nervous system.

4- Calcium supply

The milk in ice cream helps with bone health.

Possible disadvantages of Bastani Sonati

1- High calories

Consumption in excess can lead to weight gain.

2- Unsuitable for diabetes

Due to high sugar, diabetics should consume it with caution.

3- Lactose sensitivity

People who are sensitive to lactose may experience bloating.

What to serve Bastani Sonati with?

• Shirazi Faloodeh
• Ice Cream Bread
• Black Coffee
• Iranian Tea

History of Iranian Bastani

The roots of Iranian ice cream date back to the Safavid era and even earlier. Iranians have long been preparing cool desserts by combining natural ice, herbal syrups, and saffron. Traditional refrigerators or “brick refrigerators” played an important role in storing ice in the summer.

During the Qajar era, ice cream took on a more modern form, and with the addition of cream, milk, and saffron, saffron ice cream was formed. One of the most famous names in the history of this dessert is Akbar Mashti, who popularized traditional ice cream in its current form.

Differences between traditional Iranian ice cream and Western ice cream

Traditional Iranian ice cream has important differences from common European and American ice creams:

• Use of saffron and rose water instead of vanilla
• Presence of shaleb to create an elastic texture
• Less sweet but deeper flavor
• Denser texture
• Use of nuts such as pistachios

Bastani is one of the desserts that foreign tourists definitely try when traveling to Iran. This dessert symbolizes the simplicity, authenticity, and art of Iranian cooking and has been introduced in many documentaries and tourism programs.

Conclusion

Iranian Bastani is one of the most valuable desserts in the Middle East, prepared with simple ingredients but a special technique. The combination of saffron, rose water, and Thaaleb creates a lasting flavor that is found in few other ice creams. If you are looking for an authentic, fragrant, and different dessert, traditional Iranian ice cream is a unique choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About  Bastani

1.  What makes Bastani Sonati different from regular ice cream?

Bastani Sonati uses saffron, rose water, and salep (thaaleb), which give it a unique elastic texture and traditional Iranian flavor unlike Western ice creams.

2. Can I make Bastani Sonati without thaaleb?

Thaaleb is essential for the stretchy texture. Without it, the ice cream will still taste good, but won’t have the authentic consistency.

3. Is Bastani Sonati gluten-free?

Yes, Bastani Sonati is naturally gluten-free as long as the thaaleb used is pure and not mixed with wheat starch.

4. How long can homemade Bastani Sonati be stored?

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week in an airtight container, though fresh texture is best within 3-4 days.

5. Is Bastani Sonati healthy?

In moderation, it provides calcium and mood-boosting saffron benefits, but due to sugar and fat, excessive consumption is not recommended.