Bastani Sonnati: The Ultimate Persian Saffron Ice Cream Recipe
Bastani sonnati is the crown jewel of Persian desserts – a luxurious saffron ice cream infused with floral rosewater and studded with crunchy pistachios. This traditional Iranian ice cream has been delighting taste buds for centuries with its unique golden color and exotic flavors.
In this authentic bastani sonnati recipe, you’ll discover:
- The secret to achieving that signature stretchy Persian ice cream texture
- How to properly bloom saffron for maximum flavor and color
- The perfect balance of rosewater and vanilla
- Traditional serving suggestions
Table of Contents
Authentic Bastani Sonnati: Persian Saffron & Rosewater Ice Cream
Instructions
- Collect all the ingredients.
- Freeze ½ cup of heavy cream in a shallow, rimmed dish until solid, roughly 1 hour.
- Mix 1/3 cup of milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Let it sit.
- Grind the saffron threads into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
- Mix the remaining 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, remaining 2 2/3 cups milk, sugar, mastic powder, salt, and vanilla in a large saucepan. Simmer gently over medium-high heat, stirring often. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent milk from sticking to the bottom.
- Lower the heat to low once the milk begins to steam. Avoid boiling.
- Stir in the ground saffron and rosewater until fully mixed. The milk mixture will turn a bright golden hue and release a strong fragrance.
- Give the milk-cornstarch mixture another stir, then pour it into the saucepan. Keep cooking over medium heat, stirring lightly, until slightly thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Pour into a medium shallow bowl. Cool completely. Cover and chill for 2 hours or overnight.
- Pour the chilled milk mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Break the frozen heavy cream into ½-inch or smaller pieces. Mix with pistachios during the ice cream’s final churn. The finished ice cream will be soft and creamy with visible pistachio pieces and white frozen cream flakes. For a firmer texture, freeze for an additional 2 hours.
- Scoop the ice cream into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press parchment paper directly onto the surface to avoid ice crystals, then freeze for long-term storage.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!What is Bastani Sonnati?
Bastani sonnati, meaning “traditional ice cream” in Farsi, is Iran’s national frozen dessert. This Persian saffron ice cream stands out with its:
- Vibrant golden-yellow color from premium saffron
- Distinctive floral aroma from rosewater
- Creamy texture with stretchy consistency
- Crunchy pistachio pieces throughout
Unlike Western ice creams, bastani sonnati often includes mastic gum, which gives it a unique chewy texture. The combination of saffron, rosewater, and pistachios creates a flavor profile that’s distinctly Persian.
For more authentic Persian recipes, check out our complete guide to Persian cuisine.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Bastani Sonnati
The magic of Persian ice cream comes from its special ingredients. Here’s what makes bastani sonnati so unique:
Saffron – The Golden Essence
Iranian saffron threads give bastani its signature color and delicate flavor. Always use premium quality saffron for best results.
Rosewater – The Floral Touch
This distilled rose petal liquid adds a subtle floral note that balances the richness. Look for food-grade rosewater at Middle Eastern markets.
Pistachios – The Crunchy Contrast
Raw, unsalted pistachios provide texture and visual appeal. For extra vibrancy, remove some of the skins before chopping.
Discover more about essential Persian pantry staples in our Persian cooking guide.
Step-by-Step Bastani Sonnati Recipe
Making authentic Persian saffron ice cream requires patience but rewards you with incredible flavor. Follow these steps carefully:
Preparing the Saffron
Grind saffron threads to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. This releases maximum color and flavor.
Creating the Ice Cream Base
Combine milk, cream, sugar and mastic powder. Heat gently until steaming but not boiling. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken slightly.
Infusing the Flavors
Stir in ground saffron and rosewater. The mixture will turn golden and aromatic. Chill thoroughly before churning.
The Final Churn
After churning, fold in frozen cream pieces and pistachios. This creates the traditional texture and appearance.
The Irresistible Allure of Bastani Sonnati
Bastani Sonnati, the iconic Persian ice cream, is more than just a dessert—it’s a cultural experience. This luxurious treat combines creamy saffron ice cream with crunchy pistachios and floral rosewater, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each spoonful transports you to the bustling streets of Tehran, where vendors skillfully craft this frozen masterpiece.
The Golden Secret: Saffron Ice Cream
At the heart of every authentic bastani sonnati lies premium saffron ice cream. Persian chefs use only the finest saffron threads, carefully steeping them to create that signature golden hue and earthy aroma. The saffron’s subtle bitterness perfectly balances the ice cream’s sweetness, while its antioxidants add surprising health benefits to this indulgent dessert.
Pro Tip: For authentic saffron ice cream at home, soak 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm milk for 30 minutes before adding to your ice cream base.
The Art of Persian Ice Cream Making
Traditional Persian ice cream differs from Western versions in both texture and technique. Local artisans:
- Use salep (ground orchid root) for natural thickness
- Incorporate rosewater for floral notes
- Age the mixture overnight for deeper flavor
- Fold in pistachios just before freezing
This meticulous process creates bastani sonnati’s distinctive chewy texture—firm enough to hold its shape yet soft enough to melt luxuriously on your tongue.
Rosewater Ice Cream: Persia’s Floral Gift
The addition of rosewater transforms ordinary ice cream into something magical. Persian rosewater ice cream offers:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Natural rose essence | Delicate floral aroma without artificial flavors |
| Cooling properties | Perfect for warm Middle Eastern climates |
| Digestive aid | Rosewater helps soothe stomach discomfort |
Modern Twists on Traditional Bastani Sonnati
Contemporary chefs are reinventing Persian ice cream while honoring its roots:
Bastani Zaferani
Saffron ice cream amplified with extra pistachio crunch and edible gold leaf
Rosewater Affogato
Persian ice cream drowned in cardamom-infused espresso
Faloodeh Fusion
Layers of rosewater ice cream with Persian noodle sorbet
Pairing Persian Ice Cream
Elevate your bastani sonnati experience with these perfect pairings:
- Hot Persian tea: The tannins cut through the creaminess
- Date syrup: Drizzle for caramel-like sweetness
- Fresh figs: Their jammy texture complements the ice cream
- Cardamom cookies: For contrasting crunch and spice
The Cultural Significance of Saffron Ice Cream
In Persian culture, bastani sonnati isn’t just dessert—it’s:
- A symbol of celebration during Nowruz (Persian New Year)
- A traditional wedding dessert representing sweetness in marriage
- A nostalgic comfort food for Iranians abroad
- A culinary ambassador introducing Persian flavors to the world
“The first taste of saffron ice cream is like discovering a hidden treasure—golden, precious, and worth savoring.” — Anonymous Persian poet
Making Authentic Persian Ice Cream at Home
While nothing beats artisanal bastani sonnati, you can recreate the magic with this simplified recipe:
- Whisk 2 cups heavy cream with 1 cup whole milk
- Add 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp saffron (pre-soaked)
- Stir in 1 tbsp rosewater and 1 tsp vanilla
- Churn in ice cream maker until soft-set
- Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- Freeze for 4+ hours before serving
Where to Find the Best Bastani Sonnati
While Persian ice cream has gone global, these cities boast exceptional versions:
Tehran, Iran
Akbar Mashti’s original shop still serves the gold standard
Los Angeles, USA
Persian Square’s ice cream parlors use family recipes
Dubai, UAE
Luxury hotels serve saffron ice cream with gold flakes
The Future of Persian Ice Cream
As global interest in Middle Eastern cuisine grows, bastani sonnati evolves:
- Vegan versions using coconut milk and saffron
- Sugar-free adaptations with date sweeteners
- Molecular gastronomy presentations
- Fusion flavors like saffron-matcha or rosewater-chai
Yet through all innovations, the soul of Persian ice cream remains—that perfect balance of floral rosewater, earthy saffron, and buttery pistachios that has delighted generations.
Whether you call it bastani sonnati, saffron ice cream, or Persian rosewater ice cream, this frozen masterpiece represents centuries of culinary artistry. Its golden hue whispers of Persian gardens, its texture promises comfort, and its flavor delivers pure joy—one creamy, floral, nutty spoonful at a time.
