Khanfaroosh - Iranian Sweet Pastry

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 cup (120g) ground almonds 1 cup (120g) ground almonds
• 1/2 cup (60g) ground pistachios 1/2 cup (60g) ground pistachios
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon rosewater 1 tablespoon rosewater
• For the saffron syrup: For the saffron syrup:
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 14g (5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, melted butter, yogurt, and salt. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground almonds, ground pistachios, granulated sugar, cardamom, and rosewater to form the filling.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the dough circle and fold it over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the pastry.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling, placing the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
7. 7.
   While the pastries are baking, prepare the saffron syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and saffron threads. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
8. 8.
   Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle them with the saffron syrup.
9. 9.
   Allow the pastries to cool before serving. Enjoy the Khanfaroosh pastries as a delightful sweet treat!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the filling to achieve a smooth texture.
• Pistachios — Ground pistachios add a unique flavor to the filling. Ensure they are finely ground for the best results.
• Saffron — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron threads, soak them in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before using.
• Rosewater — Use a high-quality rosewater to enhance the floral aroma of the pastries.
• Yogurt — Opt for plain yogurt with a creamy consistency to achieve a soft and tender dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, toast the ground almonds and pistachios before using them in the filling.
• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of sugar in the filling or syrup.
• Serve Khanfaroosh with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Store the pastries in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Khanfaroosh as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of Persian tea or coffee. The pastries can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Khanfaroosh pastries on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and a few saffron threads. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will captivate your guests.