Bastani sonnati facts for kids
Bastani sonnati (which means "traditional ice cream" in Persian) is a special kind of ice cream from Iran. People also call it "saffron ice cream" because of its main flavor. It has a unique sticky and stretchy texture, a bit like chewing gum, and is very rich and creamy.
This delicious ice cream is made with ingredients like milk, sweet cream, eggs, and sugar. What makes it special are the flavors of rose water, saffron, vanilla, and crunchy pistachios. Sometimes, people add a special powder called "Salep" (from orchids) or a tiny bit of gum to make it even more elastic.
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How Bastani is Served
Bastani sonnati is often enjoyed in different ways. Sometimes, it's served with another traditional Iranian dessert called "Faloodeh". This is a frozen noodle-like dessert.
A very popular way to eat Bastani is with carrot juice. This mix is called "Āb havij bastani". People might add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or even cloves to the carrot juice for extra flavor.
The History of Persian Ice Cream
People in the Persia region have been enjoying cold desserts for a very long time. Around 500 BC, during the time of The Ahmani Kingdom, they would mix Snow with a fruit-flavored ice called "Sorbet". They would sprinkle it with saffron, grape juice, and fruits.
Later, around 400 BC, the dessert called "Faloodeh" was invented. It was often mixed with ice cream to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Modern Bastani
The Bastani sonnati we know today, with its firm and stretchy texture, was created in the late 19th century. It's similar to the chewy ice creams found in places like Turkey and Syria.
This modern version of Bastani is made with a lot of cream and sometimes eggs. Instead of crushed gum, it often uses orchid powder along with spices. This rich and flavorful ice cream was even made to honor the Persian king and to add a special taste to other Persian desserts like Faloodeh.
Related Desserts
- Kulfi - An Indian frozen dessert, similar in texture.
- Mastic ice creams - Ice creams with a chewy texture, often found in the Middle East.
Images for kids
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A yakhchal, an ancient type of ice house, in Yazd, Iran
See also
In Spanish: Bastani para niños
