A timeless dessert originating from Iran, the simple saffron gelatin dessert is incredibly delicious. Perfect for gatherings and parties, this dessert will certainly leave a memorable impression on your guests with its unique aroma and taste. The primary ingredients for this dish are gelatin, dairy, and saffron.
Ingredients:
- Brewed saffron, as per preference
- 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup (equivalent to 100 grams) water
- 3 cups (equivalent to 600 grams) milk
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (equivalent to 170 grams) sugar
- 100 grams cream (light or heavy)
- 1 tablespoon rose water
Method:
Step One:
- Prepare the gelatin: Pour cold water into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin powder over the water. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until it takes on a sponge-like consistency.
- Using a double boiler (or the “bain-marie” method), place the bowl over simmering water, ensuring the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the gelatin mixture until it dissolves completely. Alternatively, you can melt the gelatin using a microwave.
Step Two:
- In a pot, pour in the milk and let it heat up slowly until it comes to a gentle boil.
- Add sugar to the boiling milk and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the milk boils again, stir in the rose water and brewed saffron.
- Allow the milk mixture to cool down. The more saffron you add, the richer the color will be. A high-quality saffron will significantly enhance the taste and color of the dessert.
Step Three:
- Once the milk has cooled down to room temperature, fold in the measured cream. Stir it well to ensure the cream is well incorporated into the milk.
- Now, it’s time to add the dissolved gelatin. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- After these steps, pour the mixture into desired molds or serving glasses. Allow them to set in the refrigerator for a few hours until firm. Once set, serve chilled with a garnish of additional saffron strands or pistachios. Enjoy your homemade Iranian Saffron Gelatin Dessert!
Final Step:
In this step, prepare your desired mold. If it’s made of plastic, ensure you lightly grease it. Single-serving molds, metallic, and silicone molds are also excellent choices. Once you’ve poured the mixture into the molds, refrigerate them for about 8 hours. Once set, gently remove the dessert from the molds using a knife and invert them onto your serving dish. Garnish with slivered pistachios, almonds, or any other decorative ingredients of your choice. Your feast will indeed be more colorful with this simple saffron gelatin dessert.
If you wish for a brighter hue for the dessert, you can also use permissible food colors. Whipped cream is also used for garnishing. If you’ve eliminated sugar from your diet, honey can be used as a substitute in this dessert. For a richer taste and texture, it’s recommended to use full-fat milk.
Health Benefits of Saffron in the Dessert:
Saffron’s properties are genuinely unparalleled and numerous. It’s an astonishing plant utilized in various ways. Incorporating saffron in desserts not only boosts its nutritional value but also elevates its appearance, taste, and color.
Adding saffron to creams and other dairy products offers a myriad of health benefits. This potent spice is used to treat various ailments.
Rich in iron, antioxidants, carbohydrates, potassium, folic acid, calcium, fiber, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, incorporating saffron in the simple saffron gelatin dessert allows you to avail some of these nutrients.
Conclusion:
To make the simple saffron gelatin dessert, you need high-quality saffron to ensure its taste and aroma are prominent in the dessert. It is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a nourishing delight for the body.