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DessertSnack

Sohan Asali (Persian Honey Brittle)

Sohan Asali is a traditional Persian candy, a delicate brittle made with honey and sugar, infused with fragrant saffron. It's studded with crunchy nuts like almonds and pistachios, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory. This confection is perfect for celebrations or as a unique treat.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 5 min
Serves
8
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
214 kcal
VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Sohan Asali (Persian Honey Brittle)

Mise en place

Ingredients

  • 200 gsugar
  • 100 ghoney
  • 60 mlwater
  • 1 tbsprose water
  • 0.5 tspsaffron threads, ground and bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water
  • 50 gslivered almond
  • 50 gshelled pistachio, chopped
  • 1 tspbutter

Equipment

offset spatula · baking sheet · parchment paper · candy thermometer · heavy-bottomed saucepan

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing the paper with butter.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the parchment paper is large enough to spread the brittle thinly.

  2. 2

    In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Using a heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching.

  3. 3

    Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.

    About 3 min

  4. 4

    Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and bring the syrup to a boil.

    About 2 min

  5. 5

    Continue to boil the syrup without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (149-154°C or 300-310°F) on a candy thermometer.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: If you don't have a thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water; it should form brittle threads.

  6. 6

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the bloomed saffron, rose water, slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Work quickly as the mixture will start to set.

  7. 7

    Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Be extremely careful as the mixture is very hot.

  8. 8

    Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon (lightly buttered to prevent sticking), quickly spread the mixture into a thin, even layer.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: The thinner you spread it, the crispier the brittle will be.

  9. 9

    Allow the Sohan Asali to cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until it is firm and brittle.

    About 30 min

  10. 10

    Once cooled, break the brittle into irregular pieces of desired size.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: You can also score it with a knife while still warm if you prefer uniform pieces.

Per serving

Nutrition

45%Score
Calories
214.1kcal
Protein
2.6g
Carbs
38.5g
Fat
6.5g
Fibre
1.4g
Sugar
36g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store Sohan Asali in an airtight container at room temperature.