Sohan Asali Saffron Candy

Be courteous to your taste buds with delicious Sohan Asali Saffron Candy

When it comes to sweets , Saffron tops the list. Saffron sweet delicacies are unrivaled in taste, flavor, aroma and of course health. “I can believe everything, provided it is quite incredible” Oscar Wilde. This phrase by eminent writer and poet Oscar Wilde can be said to be true with regards to the golden spice saffron. Saffron is definitely incredible. It is one such spice that has magical effects. The exotic spice has medicinal, health benefits besides being one of the tastiest ingredients of food.The culinary adventures of Saffron are impeccable and well -known throughout the world.The delicate aroma and rich flavor it renders to the food, makes it truly incredible.

Sweets are must for any sweet occasion in our life. It is considered auspicious in many cultures to start your day by eating sweets to reap sweet results. From Persia to India, Saffron has been the main ingredient behind many rich and sweet delicacies. The spice itself has an overall extraordinary personal beauty that surpasses cultures, boundaries and generations. With more than 3500 years of history , this golden spice saffron is indeed a real beauty.

Saffron simply an elegant flower (Crocus Sativus), is also a dainty highly valued spice graced with extremely striking medicinal properties. It was first cultivated in Greece and was used by , Alexander the great. Its growing popularity quickly whisked it across the globe which lead to the birth of Saffron sweet cuisine. This delectable cuisine comprises of various Saffron sweet delicacies from all corners of the planet. We will begin our journey from Persia where Saffron got its name Za’ffran. Today, Persia is called to by the name Iran. Saffron was introduced to India from Persia around 500 B.C. Iran is a chief producer of Saffron and around 80% of world’s Saffron is produced in Iran.

The Persians had developed a name for using Saffron as a drug to sedate and as an aphrodisiac as well. In ancient Persia, it was said to enhance wisdom and boost cheerfulness, used for a long time to treat hysteria along with opium.

Za’faran or Saffron is a must in everyday Persian cuisine. Whether it's normally the bright sunshine, golden drizzle of Saffron rice and cascaded over lamb just prior to serving, or used in tea to give deep flavour and color. Saffron Candy celebrated to mark Norooz or the Persian new year. This Saffron sweet delicacy is called Sohan Asali or Saffron Candy.

“Norooz” in Persian means new day. Norooz has its specific culinary recipes and pastries, sweets and desserts that are quite unique from the rest of the year. Sohan Asali is specially cooked on this Iranian new year. Norooz is celebrated on the beginning day of spring.

Even today, Iranians take that as the commencement of the year and celebrate it with much fanfare. Another favorite saffron sweet is known as "Saal Tahvil". The Persian new year has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and has its roots in the Zoroastrian culture. This Saffron Candy dish is a festival delight and is enjoyed in the company of friends and family. It is quite a simple and easy to make recipe.

Sohan Asali Saffron Candy

Ingredients :

1/2 teaspoon of Saffron threads,

2 cups of sugar,

2 tablespoons of honey,

1 cup slivered almonds lightly toasted,

1/3 cup pistachios,

4 tablespoons butter,

2 tablespoons rose water.

Method:

1. Begin by steeping 1/2 teaspoon of Saffron threads in 2 tablespoon of rose water.
2. Dress up the large baking tray with parchment paper .
3. Now, in a large pan gently mix sugar, honey and butter over a medium flame for about 7-10 minutes till the sugar completely melts. Constantly shake and stir the pan.
4. Reduce the heat and gently slide in the saffron and rose water mixture and give it a gentle stir.
5. Subsequently ,put the almonds into the mixture, stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes till the almonds attain a rich golden -brown color.
6. Now,quickly start spooning out the mixture on the parchment paper and drizzle the pistachios on top. Allow them to cool completely.
7. Slowly take out the sohan asali from the tray, store in an airtight container and serve them with a hot cup of tea.

So, remember Saffron sweets are used to mark the beginnings of good times. Enjoy your Saffron delicacy with your loved ones.

Saffron Recipes to Entice Scorpio Men and Women

The Zodiac sign of Scorpio is known for the passion and ferocity that no other zodiac sign can compete with. They are the most loyal of lovers and Scorpio love is considered a boon of the gods to whoever it is bestowed upon. Representing the eight house of the zodiac, the Scorpio rules mystery, rebirth and sensual feelings. So, what do I have to say about this mysterious sign and the golden spice of Indian weddings? Well, Scorpios are attracted to intense sensory moments and Saffron creates a strong bond from the aroma generated by the golden spice.

Therefore, anything that has to do with intensity is the preferred selection of the Scorpio sign. This truth was well known to the wise ancients that “Saffron is an aphrodisiac”. Throughout history saffron's sensual and seductive qualities have been used this way and one of the more famous examples is the Egyptian queen Cleopatra would bath in saffron infused water before any important rendezvous. Therefore, the dishes that are both sensual and passionate are Scorpios favorites and they will love those that present the qualities of the golden spice saffron.

Scorpios usually dig spicy hot foods, especially non-vegetarian dishes. They are particularly fond of the mysterious eastern cultures. In case, you have a Scorpio boyfriend or girlfriend then you can impress them by presenting middle-eastern or Asian inspired saffron recipes. I would recommend preparing any tasty spicy saffron chicken recipe from Morocco, India or Pakistan.

Arabic fish stew with lemon and saffron and giant couscous

Ingredients

100 g moghrabieh (giant couscous)

olive oil

2 large onions, chopped

2 large leeks, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

25 saffron threads

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

3 fresh tomatoes, diced

1 long red chilli, seeded and shredded

3 bay leaves

750 ml water

1 kg of cod fillet

1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped

squeeze of lemon juice

Directions:

Lightly fry the onion, leeks and garlic in a big saucepan with lots of olive oil.

When they become soft, put in the thyme leaves, and cumin.

Then again fry it gently for a couple of more minutes.

Roast the saffron in a frying pan. Now take 750 ml of water

Add the roasted saffron, tomatoes, chilli, bay leaves, moghrabieh and water, stir well and bring to the boil.

Lower the heat, cover and simmer very gently for 30 minutes until the moghrabieh is tender.

Add the fish pieces, cover the pan and continue to simmer gently until the fish is just cooked. (Probably about 5 minutes.)

Sprinkle with chopped coriander, and serve with a piece of lemon and plenty of hot red pepper rouille.

Make sure that you have fine Arabian music playing the background as you prepare this exotic saffron dish for your Scorpio mate. This is certain to turn them on and maybe get you the “yes” that you are waiting for.

Timman Z'affaran (Iraqi Saffron Rice With Meat)

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron thread
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 1/3 cup oil (or ghee or butter)
• 1/4 cup blanched slivered almond (don't leave these out please)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 275 g ground lamb
• 1 teaspoon baharat mixed spice (Baharat Aka Middle East Mixed Spices - the Real Mix)
• Salt to taste
• 2 1/4 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, see introduction)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 3 cups chicken stock (I use Emirati Style Yellow Chicken Stock)

Directions:

• Wash rice until water runs clear.
• Cover with cold water and leave to soak for 30 minutes.
• Pound saffron threads, place in a small bowl (I use an Arabic coffee cup, which is perfect size for this) and add the rose water, leaving to steep until required.
• Heat half the oil or ghee in a frying pan (this part tastes better with ghee or butter), add the almonds and fry until becoming golden making sure not to burn them by watching them until done.
• Take it down on a plate with a slotted spoon and reserve.
• Add onion to pan and fry gently until transparent.
• Increase heat, put in meat and cook, stirring often to make meat crumbly. Fry until the juices evaporate, put in baharat (Baharat Aka Middle East Mixed Spices - the Real Mix), 1/2 tsp salt and raisins and fry for 1 minute longer. Remove pan from heat, cover and leave aside.
• Heat remaining oil or ghee in a deep large bottomed pot and add 2 tsp of the saffron-rosewater mixture and the chicken stock. Bring to boil.
• Drain the rice and add it to the boiling stock. Now add salt as per taste. Stir occasionally until rice returns to a boil.
• Lower the heat and cover pan tightly. Simmer gently until rice is done.
• Fold the meat mixture gently through the rice, cover rim of the pan with two paper towels and set lid on tightly. Leave on low heat for 5 minutes or longer if necessary. Rice should not spoil, though this depends on its quality.
• Pile rice in serving dish or platter and sprinkle with browned almonds and the rest of the saffron-rosewater. This is excellent served with Saudi Chicken Stuffed With Rice & Meat (Dajaj Mashwy) or roast lamb or as part of a buffet.

For the Scorpios, this dish will work wonders. This will surely turn your Scorpio partner on and you will get all your desires fulfilled. One thing that you must know is Scorpios don’t let go once they are committed. So, when Saffron does it’s magic you know that it is forever! Now, that you know this, start preparing these spicy saffron dishes for your Scorpio mate.

Hooking the calculative Virgo with a magical Saffron recipe

The type of Cuisine depends on the nature and personality of the people you are serving food. It is the reason why some prefer simple plain food while others love sophisticated and spicy food.

Thus, the choice of cuisine depends a lot on your Zodiac sign. For every star sign there is a different kind of taste bud. If you take a good look at Virgos, they follow a different diet chart. Virgos love to eat healthy food which provides them nutrition along with good taste. They are quite sensitive and careful about their digestive system.

Virgos are ardent lover of dishes which are cooked carefully with the right ingredient used in the right proportions. Usually they stick to dishes which are simple and relishing at the same time. They usually avoid spicy hot foods and fatty unhealthy foods which are cooked in a lot of oil. However they love the more traditional spices that offer flavor sophistication without the heat.

Virgos have stellar kitchen abilities and they are amazing cooks. Being so very health conscious, Virgos are not party fanatics. They choose to make a better and healthier breakfast than your average fast food pit stop. Dishes like whole grain breads with cage free eggs could be very enticing for Virgos.

It's should come as no surprise that Virgos love Saffron due to its health benefits and great aromatic flavor that it renders to the food it is being cooked with. Being so decisive in nature, Virgos prefer tried and tested recipes and are scared of experimenting. They truly enjoy analyzing every flavor and spice of the dishes they are eating. Simple, fresh food which is good for health is the preferred choice on most menus. Food items like fresh green salad, crème brassiere and lemon Parmesan tilapia are some of the favorite foods suited especially for Virgos.

They usually prefer eating high quality food with healthy ingredients. With Saffron in their food, Virgos find their digestive system nourished with lots of healthy resolutions.

Here is a recipe which is loved by Virgos.

Recipe

Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Tomatoes, Saffron & Nuts

Background

The delicious recipe is served with couscous, flavored with amazing spices and presented with spinach salad

Ingredients

• Large Chicken Thighs, 8 pieces
• Olive Oil, 1 tbsp
• Onion finely chopped, 1
• Garlic cloves, 2 Finely chopped
• Ground Cumin, 1 tbsp
• Ground Ginger, ½ tsp
• Cinnamon Stick, 1
• Chilly Flakes Dried, pinch
• Chopped Tomatoes, 400 gm
• Honey, 1 tsp
• Large pinch of Saffron
• Hot Chicken Stock, 300 ml
• Orange Peel, 2 Strips
• Dried Apricots, 100 gm
• Almonds Toasted, 25 gm
• Coriander chopped, 2 tsp

Method

• Heat olive oil at medium heat in a saucepan so that you may toss the chicken. Add onion, garlic and cook it for 5 minutes till it gets tender and onion turns translucent. Add cumin, ginger, chili flakes, cinnamon and cook till releases the fragrance.
• Add the tomatoes and honey and mix well.
• Crumble the saffron sticks in the chicken stock and add it to the pan along with the orange peel.
• Bring it to a boil and season it with salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and apricot in the sauce and reduce the flame to saute and cook. Partially cover it pan and cook it for around 35 to 40 minutes or till the time chicken is well cooked.
• Garnish the dish with chopped coriander and almonds from the top and serve it with couscous
• Eat it with basmati rice Pulao and you will love the chicken for its rich ingredients, healthy dietary and amazing taste.

It is surely a great way to impress the Virgos. So why not try it and make them feel special on their special days. Go for it and see the how their cheeks turn pink when they see such a delicious dish on their dinner table.

Saffron and Coconut : A Combo For Great Health

There is an old proverb “ Old is Gold”. As the idiom suggests it is always better to turn to healthy diet options, especially the old ones prescribed by ancient medical sciences. Many of these age-old methods potentially hold the keys to successfully maintaining a healthy and fit body.

Saffron, for example is an extremely old spice which needs no introduction. This spice is well-known for both its medicinal as well as health-promoting  benefits from ancient times. Similarly, Coconut is a renowned tropical fruit that has been a food staple globally for eons.

Coconut is a fruit of the coconut palm tree. It has lot of religious significance in many countries. That's why the coconut palm is addressed in the Hindu philospohy as 'Kalpavruksha'. This means the tree that grants your wishes. Coconut is a useful food for those looking to build muscles. Coconut assists in preventing dehydration and helps to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.

It boosts the metabolic rate and thus encourages weight loss. Coconut is considered to be a divine fruit. It is therefore, part and parcel of any religious ceremony in the Vedic culture.

As per Ayurveda, using coconut is considered to be an ancient form of healing. It is used to treat many diseases and is also considered to be good for having a healthy body. No wonder, there is an internet buzz about coconut diets. The claims are coconut can increase metabolism, jump start fat burning, clear the skin, boost energy, aid concentration and improve digestion as well.

Coconut diet is not like the other fancy diet forms which either require a lot of strenuous workout regimes or starvation. The coconut diet is a natural diet form which involves elimination of bad fats by replacing it with good fats. It is basically a low carb diet.

The good fats are found in proliferance in coconut oil. It comprises of  healthy fats such as  lauric acid, and capric acid which contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties to enhance the immune system. If we regularly use this form of diet you are likely to become healthier and fit, naturally.

Using Saffron along with Coconut can provide an extra boost and tastier advantage to your weight loss objective. The exotic spice will not only offer a better flavor and color but will also help in keeping the spirits high of all those who wish to incorporate the Coconut diet.

If you are serious and wish to know more about how to take weight off while devouring on delectable food, then this saffron coconut recipe  is for you.

Saffron Coconut rice :

Ingredients:

1 cup Long grain rice, thoroughly washed,2 cups coconut milk, 1 cup of water,1/2 cup finely chopped onions,8-10 fresh curry leaves,Whole spices: 2-3 cloves,1 cinnamon stick,4-5 green cardamom,2 bay leaves,4 dry red chillies,1/2 tsp turmeric powder,1 tbsp red chilli powder,1 tsp of  saffron strands previously boiled in  1 tbsp milk, 3 tbsp of Coconut oil,Salt to taste.

Method:

1. In a large pan pour water and set over a medium heat. To this add turmeric, saffron threads, whole spices i.e 2-3 cloves,1 cinnamon stick,4-5 green cardamom,2 bay leaves,4 dry red chillies,1/2 tsp turmeric powder,1 tbsp red chilli powder, mix well and bring to a boil.

2. Now add the rice and pour in the  coconut milk. Stir continuously and  bring it to a gentle boil.When the liquid starts gently bubbling, decrease the heat and stop stirring. Immediately, cover the pan with a lid and cook  for about 15 minutes.

3. Subsequently,take the pan from the heat however, do not remove the lid. Let it  steam for another 5-10 minutes.

4.Prior to  serving, Drizzle in some salt according to taste and garnish it with Coriander leaves or shredded coconut meat.

Your mouth -watering Saffron -Coconut Rice is ready to eat.

Enjoy it with Coconut water for a complete nutritious diet.