Sohan (confectionery) facts for kids
Pieces of sohan in a modern metal tin
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| Type | Cookie |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Iran |
| Region or state | Qom |
| Main ingredients | wheat sprout, flour, egg yolks, rose water, sugar, butter or vegetable oil, saffron, cardamom, almond, pistachio or peanuts |
Sohan (pronounced "so-hahn") is a super tasty and traditional Persian sweet treat from Iran. It's a type of brittle toffee that's often flavored with saffron. Saffron gives Sohan its beautiful golden color and a unique, delicious taste. This crunchy candy is very popular in Iran!
What is Sohan Made Of?
Sohan is made from a special mix of ingredients. Key ingredients include wheat sprout (which is wheat that has just started to grow), flour, and egg yolks. It also has sweet things like sugar and rose water, which adds a lovely floral scent. For richness, it uses butter or vegetable oil. The special flavor comes from saffron and cardamom. Finally, it's often topped with slivers of almonds and pistachios, making it extra crunchy and nutty.
Where Does Sohan Come From?
Sohan first came from the city of Qom in Iran. Qom is known as the main place where this delicious candy is made. People from all over Iran, and even other countries, visit Qom to try its famous Sohan.
Different Kinds of Sohan
There are many different types of Sohan to enjoy! Each kind has its own special twist. Some popular types include:
- Honey Sohan
- Sesame Sohan
- Sohan Halwa
- Almond Sohan
- Sohan Gazi
- Sohan Loghmeh
- Butter Sohan
- Sohan Pashmaki (which is like cotton candy!)
- Dessert Sohan
Each type offers a slightly different taste or texture, so there's a Sohan for everyone!
A Royal Story
There's a fun story about how Sohan got its name. Some people believe it happened when an old king, Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar, visited Qom. He was served a sweet dish called Halwa Qomi. The king really enjoyed it and said it helped digest his food very well. He compared it to a "rasp" or "file" (which is "sohan" in Persian) because it seemed to "file away" his food, helping him feel good. And that's how this delicious treat supposedly got its name!
