Sohan : A Delightful Iranian Sweet Treat

On Jul 27, 2023

Sohan, or Persian Pistachio Brittle, is a traditional Iranian sweet known for its unique sweet flavor and crunchy texture.

It is typically made with saffron, cardamom, and nuts like pistachios and almonds. Sohan candy is often enjoyed alongside a cup of tea and can be easily prepared at home. It can also be stored in the fridge for several weeks.

To make this delicious candy, refer to the article for detailed instructions and tips.

What is Sohan?

Sohan is a traditional Iranian sweet known for its unique combination of chewy texture and crunchy nuts. Its origin is Isfahan, it acquires a distinctive golden brown color and an enticing aroma from the infusion of saffron.

Another popular type of sohan is “Sohan-e-Qom”, which is also very famous among Iranians. Qom is the name of a city in Iran.

Sohan sweets are a delectable Iranian candy that tempts taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures. The traditional Sohan recipe calls for a magical combination of butter, sugar, and flour, expertly cooked to achieve a delightful brittle texture. Infused with the aromatic essence of saffron and rosewater, this confectionery emits a captivating aroma that enhances its appeal. Once prepared, Sohan is meticulously cut into charming diamond and square-shaped pieces, presenting an exquisite treat that showcases both artistry and taste in every bite.

The History of Sohan Candy

The origins of Persian pistachio brittle can be traced back to the Safavid dynasty during the 16th century.

Initially, the candy was prepared using almonds instead of pistachios. However, during the Qajar dynasty in the 19th century, pistachios took over as the primary ingredient in Persian pistachio brittle.

Today, Persian pistachio brittle is cherished by individuals of all ages and is a customary treat at Iranian celebrations and festivals.

When they go to Qom, an originating city of Sohan in Iran, they buy Sobhan as a souvenir for their loved ones.

Print Recipe

How to make Sohan?

Here are the ingredients instructions for making Sohan candy:

Course: Snack

Cuisine: iran

Ingredients

210 grams Sugar
160 grams Unsalted butter
½ tsp Cardamom powder
1 tbsp White flour
2 tbsp Wheat flour
½ cup Rosewater
1 ½ tbsp Glucose syrup
½ tsp Grounded saffron
½ tsp Pistachios, chopped
½ tsp Slivered almonds chopped

Instructions

Spread an aluminum foil on your table and make it greasy by adding a little oil with a brush.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white and wheat flour, then pour them into a pot on low heat.
Keep stirring the flour mixture continuously until its raw and unpleasant smell is removed, then reduce the heat.
After that, add sugar and rosewater to your mixture and stir the content to dissolve completely.
Once your content begins boiling, you can add butter and let it continue boiling.
To prepare the saffron, in a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in a tablespoon of hot water and allow the saffron to infuse for a few minutes until the water turns a vibrant yellow-orange color.
While your mixture is boiling, add honey, glucose syrup, cardamom, and saffron to the content and keep stirring it for about 30 minutes.
After stirring for 30 minutes, you should check the Sohan concentration with a spoon to see if its texture is a little hard and can be separated from the pot without attempt; you can remove the pot from the heat.
Now you can spread your dough on your foil, and depending on your desire, you can add a mixture of pistachio and almonds.
Gradually incorporate the almonds and pistachio mixture into the dough to mix them.
Shape small portions of the dough into small, flat discs or balls.
Place the shaped Sohan on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper.
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the freshly coated Sohan while the syrup is still sticky.
Finally, allow the Sohan to cool and enjoy it.

Notes

Here are some golden tips to ensure success when making homemade Sohan:

The first and foremost thing you should consider when you want to make a dish of any nation is using high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to saffron, rosewater, and nuts. Fresh and aromatic ingredients, without a doubt, will enhance the flavor and aroma of your Sohan.
Using hot water to extract its vibrant color and flavor when dissolving saffron. Allow the saffron threads to infuse for a few minutes before adding them to the dough.
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the freshly coated Sohan while the syrup is still sticky. The pistachios will add a beautiful green color and a delightful crunch to the final product.
Instead of pistachio and almond, you can use other nuts depending on your taste.
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. This will help distribute the flavors of cardamom, almonds, and saffron evenly throughout the Sohan.
Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small, flat discs or balls of 2 mm in diameter, not more than it. Ensure that they are uniform in size for even baking.

Important tips about sugar syrup and dough:

When you want to add sugar syrup to your dough, it is important to check your syrup to see if it is thick or thin enough. Just a little sticky to keep pistachio and almonds in the dough.
The sugar and water mixture should be too hot to make the dough hard; a warm one is better than a soft dough.
When you want to shape the Sohan, it is better to put a pot on low heat to avoid the hardness of the rest of the Soohan dough.

Conclusion

Sohan is a tasty Iranian toffee combining almonds, saffron, and cardamom flavors in a crunchy texture. Since it can be preserved for weeks without losing its main taste, it can be a great gift or souvenir from your trip to Iran. The recipe for making Sohan is simple and is not time-consuming.

Whether you want to host your guest with Persian cuisine or satisfy your sweet tooth, Sohan candy is ideal.

I hope you read this post as helpful and comprehensive in making Sohan candy. Which type of Sohan do you like? Please tell us in the comment section.