Imagine scooping into a bowl of creamy, golden ice cream. The scent of saffron and rose water hits first, then comes the crunch of pistachios. Sound fancy? It is. But Persian Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani Sonnati) isn’t just a dessert—it’s a piece of history. Did you know it dates all the way back to 500 BC when Persian royals enjoyed early versions of frozen treats spiced with saffron?
This recipe takes the essence of that tradition and adapts it for the modern cook. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself, I promise—it’s easier than it sounds. Let’s dive in.
Quick Recipe Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 12 hours (worth it, trust me!)
- Servings: 8 generous scoops
Love leftovers? Store the base for a day before churning or keep the ice cream in the freezer for up to a week.
What you’ll need:
- A saucepan and whisk
- An ice cream maker OR a simple freezer-safe container
- Plastic wrap for chilling
Ingredients You’ll Grab
Here’s what goes into making this luscious dessert:
- 5 egg yolks – These make the base rich and custardy.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Sweet, but not too sweet.
- 5 1/2 cups whole milk – Full-fat is the way to go.
- 2–4 tablespoons rose water – Adjust to taste; a little goes a long way!
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads – Crush it first (pro tip from my grandma).
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream – For that dreamy texture.
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios (optional) – Adds crunch and tradition.
- Dried rose petals (optional) – Fancy garnish alert!
How to Make It
Now for the fun part:
Step 1: Make the Custard
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until they look pale and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Heat the milk, rose water, and vanilla (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Just until it’s steaming—not boiling!
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking nonstop. This keeps the eggs from turning into scrambled bits.
Step 2: Thicken It Up
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Stir it constantly over medium-low heat until it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of your spoon. (Got a thermometer? Aim for 170°F/77°C.)
- Remove from heat, stir in the saffron, and watch it turn a gorgeous golden yellow. Add the whipping cream and mix it all together.
Step 3: Chill and Churn
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap—press it directly onto the surface to avoid that annoying skin. Pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours (overnight is better).
- Churn the chilled custard in your ice cream maker according to its instructions. No ice cream maker? Pour it into a container and freeze, stirring every hour until set.
- Fold in the pistachios during the last few minutes of churning.
Step 4: Freeze and Enjoy
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover with parchment paper, and let it firm up for 4 hours.
- Scoop, serve, and feel like royalty. Want to level up? Garnish with extra pistachios and rose petals.
Tweaks and Tips
- Don’t do dairy? Coconut milk and cream work, though the taste will shift.
- No eggs? Swap them for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for a silky texture.
- Too floral? Orange blossom water is a good substitute, or just reduce the rose water.
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cardamom for a spiced twist. Or sandwich the ice cream between thin wafers for the full Persian experience!
How to Serve and Store
- Serving Ideas: Scoop into pretty bowls or pair it with baklava for the ultimate dessert combo.
- Storage: Keep it in the freezer for up to a week. If it’s too hard to scoop, let it sit out for 5–10 minutes to soften.
One Last Thought
Persian Saffron Ice Cream isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration of flavor, history, and culture. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this dessert has a way of bringing joy to any occasion. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out!
PrintPersian Saffron Ice Cream
Persian Saffron Ice Cream, or Bastani Sonnati, is a decadent dessert that combines the luxurious aroma of saffron, the floral notes of rose water, and the crunch of pistachios. This creamy treat is a perfect way to experience the rich culinary heritage of Iran, offering a unique balance of flavor and texture that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients
- 5 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 5 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 to 4 tablespoons rose water (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed into powder
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 1/3 cup chopped raw, unsalted pistachios (optional), plus more for garnish
- Dried rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Notes on Ingredients:
- Use high-quality saffron for vibrant color and authentic flavor.
- Rose water can be substituted with orange blossom water for a different floral note.
- For a nut-free version, omit pistachios.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale yellow (about 1–2 minutes). This creates a smooth custard texture.
- Warm milk, rose water, and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Step 2: Cook the Custard
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (170°F/77°C). This takes about 5–8 minutes.
Step 3: Add Saffron and Chill
- Remove from heat and stir in crushed saffron until fully dissolved, giving the custard its signature golden hue. Stir in whipping cream for added richness. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation and chill for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Churn and Freeze
- Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Add pistachios during the last few minutes of churning if using.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover with parchment paper, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Scoop into bowls and garnish with additional pistachios and dried rose petals for an elegant presentation.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as is or pair with baklava for a complete Persian dessert experience. For a traditional touch, sandwich between thin wafers.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use an instant-read thermometer for precise custard cooking; overheating can lead to scrambled eggs.
- Bloom saffron in warm milk before adding it for enhanced flavor release.
- Stirring every hour during freezing (if not using an ice cream maker) prevents ice crystals.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping if too firm.