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.