Description
A luxurious and fragrant Persian ice cream made with saffron, rose water, pistachios, and cream. Bastani Sonnati is a traditional no-egg frozen treat that offers a unique floral and nutty flavor, perfect for warm weather or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons hot water
1 tablespoon rose water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
1/4 cup frozen cream pieces (optional, traditional)
Instructions
- Lightly grind the saffron threads and mix with hot water. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to bloom.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, bloomed saffron with liquid, rose water, vanilla extract, and cardamom (if using). Mix well.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
- In the final minutes of churning, add chopped pistachios and frozen cream pieces if using.
- Transfer the ice cream to a container, cover, and freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
- Serve with a sprinkle of pistachios or a drizzle of rose syrup, if desired.
Notes
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a loaf pan and stir every hour for 3–4 hours until creamy.
To make it dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk in place of milk and cream.
For added sweetness and texture, add candied orange peel or white chocolate.
Adjust rose water to taste for a stronger floral flavor.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Soften at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
