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Bastani | Persian Ice Cream

Modern Persian Food
Modern Persian Food
Episode • May 26, 2021 • 16m

 

In Episode #34, co-hosts Bita and Beata dream of rich, decadent, flavorful Persian ice cream known as Bastani in Farsi.

 

Unique attributes to Bastani

  • Saffron and rose water
  • Frozen chunks of cream
  • Pistachio nuts

 

Unique attributes of Persian ice cream sandwiches

  • Lightly sweetened, thin, crispy wafers
  • Where to find ice cream sandwiches 
    • International/middle eastern markets
    • DIY make at home Persian ice cream platter sandwiches

 

Other frozen Persian treats

  • Faloodeh - frozen vermicelli noodles laced with lime juice and cherry syrup
  • How it’s served
    • Solo or “makhloot” meaning mixed in Farsi - mixed with Persian ice cream, half and half
  • Carrot Ice Cream Floats - in Farsi Ab Haveej Bastani
    • What is it? - Persian ice cream and carrot juice served in a tall decorative glass

Ideas for Persian frozen treats with Persian flavors and flair

  • Vanilla ice cream served with pomegranate molasses, pistachios, and pomegranate arils
  • Vanilla ice cream served with date syrup and walnuts

 

Modern ideas for healthy frozen treats

  • “Nice cream” - dairy free soft serve 
    • Base of peeled frozen bananas, add frozen fruits
    • For Persian version try it with saffron, rose water and pistachios!

 

Ask the Beats!

Megan from NYC asks “how do you bloom saffron?”

  • Grind dried saffron and dissolve in hot water
  • Grinding and storage tips

 

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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