Persian spices studded with pistachios and almonds, charming in every bite
What is there not to love ... Sexy rose petals, crunchy pistachios and fragrant cardamom, this lemony and moist cake is the best way to finish off a romantic dinner. Some fables suggest that this cake was originally baked by a Persian woman to charm a prince. I, as an Iranian, have never heard that such a cake belongs to Iran. Despite multiple legends surrounding this beautiful, exotic cake, I believe that Persian girls do not need a cake to charm ...
ingredients for the cake
- 200 g (2 cups) almond meal
- 150 g (1 cup) plain flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp ground cardamom
- 120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150g (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 150g (3/4 cup) white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 250g (1 cup) plain yoghurt
- zest of one orange/lemon
- 50g / 2oz raw pistachios, chopped
ingredients for the syrup
- 85 ml (1/3 cup) water
- 70g (1/3 cup) caster sugar
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) rose water
- juice of one lemon
preparation of the cake
- preheat oven 180C/350F (standard) or 160C/320F (fan)
- grease and line a 23cm/9" cake tin
- mix all the dry ingredients: almond meal, flour, baking powder and cardamon in a bowl
- beat butter, brown and white sugars with an electric mixer until incorporated
- add eggs, beat until smooth
- add yoghurt and orange zest
- mix for 5 minutes
- add dry ingredients
- stir until mixed through
- pour into the ready cake tin, smooth surface
- bake 50 minutes to 1 hour
- scatter rose petals over the cake
- poke a few holes all over the cake using a skewer
- pour warm syrup over while cake still hot
- leave to soak in the tin for 1 hour
preparation of the syrup
- place all your ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat
- simmer for only 2 minutes
- put the pistachios in
- set aside
If you wish to organise a casual luncheon, a business gathering or a joyfull wedding in Belgium or The Netherlands, please take a look at the catering options and contact me to see how we can turn your event into a memorable happening.All 50 recipes in my cookbook have 5 major ingredients, carefully chosen to respect the original dishes on which they are based. You can easily order my cookbook online or come pick it up. Participants to a workshop get a €5 discount.Join others and learn how to cook and bake a four-course Persian meal. All workshops are held in Belgium or The Netherlands and participants get a €5 discount on my cookbook.You can find many recipes on the website. Most recipes use Persian cooking essentials like indigenous herbs, spices, nuts and fruits. You can also find 50 recipes in my cookbook.Many cities in Iran are on the UNESCO heritage list. Read some culinary travel stories on how I experience my country or learn more about its culture and history.My professional approach of food photography makes your recipes and food products shine in cookbooks, product packaging, online use, catalog or menus.Follow me on Instagram to view my latest updates. In case of any questions or reservations please do not hesitate contacting me by filling in the form.
