Traditional Persian Saffron Ice Cream Recipe

Persian Saffron Ice Cream: A Timeless, Creamy Treat

Saffron ice cream (known as Bastani Sonnati in Persian) is one of the most beloved and traditional desserts in Iran. It’s been around for centuries and is still a favorite at family gatherings, parties, and even after everyday meals.

The best part? This golden, fragrant ice cream is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. Let’s dive into it!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own creamy, fragrant Persian saffron ice cream at home. Don’t worry—each step is simple, and the result is absolutely delicious!

Heat the base

In a saucepan, add the milk and sugar. Stir well, then pour in the cream. Heat gently on medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Don’t let it boil! Once it’s smooth and warm, remove from the stove.

Prepare the saffron

Grind the saffron threads with a little sugar until they turn into powder. Add this saffron mix (plus the rosewater) into the warm milk mixture. Stir well, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

If you’re curious about why saffron is so treasured, you might enjoy reading more about the most expensive spice and what makes it so special

Add the egg yolks

After chilling, warm the mixture again on low heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a little of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while stirring (this prevents scrambling). Then, pour the egg yolk mix back into the pan, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.

Cool it down

Place a bowl over another bowl filled with ice water. Strain the mixture into the top bowl and let it cool completely.

Churn and freeze

Pour the cooled mixture into your ice cream maker, add the pistachios, and follow your machine’s instructions. Once ready, transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.

After enjoying saffron ice cream, you might want to explore another saffron treat in the form of a smoothie... Try this saffron smoothie at home

Time to Enjoy!

Your homemade Persian saffron ice cream is ready to scoop and enjoy! Creamy, fragrant, and speckled with crunchy pistachios — it’s a taste of tradition in every bite.