Best Saffron Water Recipes

BASTANI (PERSIAN ROSE WATER, SAFFRON AND PISTACHIO ICE CREAM)

Steps:

• In a medium thick-bottomed bot, slowly heat the milk to boiling while stirring. Add the vanilla extract and saffron. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally while doing the next step.
• Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until smooth and foamy. Very carefully and slowly, pour the egg/sugar mixture into the milk. Make sure to stir it rapidly with a fork or use a whisk while pouring (or you will end up with scrambled eggs in the ice cream!).
• Continue heating the mixture on low heat while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until thickened (it should be foamy and coat the spoon).
• Pour the custard mixture into a bowl, and refrigerate until well chilled.
• Once cold, stir in the cream, rose water or extract, and chopped pistachios.
• Churn in an ice cream maker until finished (or, stick in the freezer and vigorously stir every 30 minutes or so to break up the ice crystals, until it is homogenous and frozen).

SAFFRON ICE CREAM WITH ROSE WATER SYRUP

Steps:

• Bring the milk and heavy cream to a boil.
• Add the saffron, remove from heat and leave to infuse overnight in the refrigerator.
• The next morning, beat the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until smooth and white.
• Gradually add the saffron infusion, beating well after each addition.
• On the stove top, place mixture in a metal bowl placed over a pot of rapidly boiling water.
• Cook until the mixture coats the spoon.
• Pass the mixture through a fine sieve. Save the saffron filaments and return them to the mixture.
• Allow to cool. Once cold, chill in a metal bowl in the freezer and remove at 1 hour intervals and beat until set. You can also use an ice cream freezer.
• To make syrup:.
• Stir 1 1/2 cups water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
• Increase heat to medium-high.
• Add cinnamon stick and boil mixture until syrup is reduced to a scant 1 cup amount, about 10 minutes.
• Mix in rose water and cool. Serve ice cream in individual bowls and drizzle syrup on top.

SAFFRON-ROSE WATER BRITTLE WITH PISTACHIOS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; lightly coat with nonstick spray. Dissolve saffron in rose water in a small bowl.
• Bring sugar, corn syrup, honey, and 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in a medium saucepan fitted with candy thermometer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook, swirling occasionally (do not stir once sugar is dissolved), until thermometer registers 290°F, about 5 minutes. Mix in almonds, butter, and kosher salt and cook, stirring often, until almonds are golden, butter is absorbed, and thermometer registers 300°F, about 2 minutes. Vigorously mix in baking soda, then rose water mixture (caramel will bubble at first but then look smooth and creamy). Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread out as thin as possible. Sprinkle pistachios, rose petals, and sea salt over brittle. Let cool, then break into bite-size pieces.
• Do Ahead
• Brittle can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

SAFFRON WATER

Steps:

• Using a mortar and pestle, grind saffron and sugar. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in water, and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.

SAFFRON-ROSE WATER BRITTLE WITH PISTACHIOS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; lightly coat with nonstick spray. Dissolve saffron in rose water in a small bowl.
• Bring sugar, corn syrup, honey, and 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in a medium saucepan fitted with candy thermometer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook, swirling occasionally (do not stir once sugar is dissolved), until thermometer registers 290°F, about 5 minutes. Mix in almonds, butter, and kosher salt and cook, stirring often, until almonds are golden, butter is absorbed, and thermometer registers 300°F, about 2 minutes. Vigorously mix in baking soda, then rose water mixture (caramel will bubble at first but then look smooth and creamy). Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread out as thin as possible. Sprinkle pistachios, rose petals, and sea salt over brittle. Let cool, then break into bite-size pieces.
• Brittle can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.