Qottab - Iranian Sweet Pastry

Ingredients

• Dough: 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) rosewater 1/4 cup (60ml) rosewater
• 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Filling: 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
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, melted butter, rosewater, powdered sugar, and salt. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground almonds, ground pistachios, granulated sugar, and ground cardamom to prepare the filling.
3. 3.
   Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
4. 4.
   Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of the dough circle and fold it in half, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the Qottab until they turn golden brown on both sides.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried Qottab from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, dust the Qottab with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the filling to achieve the desired texture.
• Pistachios — Similarly, use ground pistachios for the filling to ensure a smooth and consistent filling.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the Qottab, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the filling mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar in the dough.
• Ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying the Qottab to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked pastry.
• For a decorative touch, you can crimp the edges of the Qottab using a fork before frying.
• Qottab is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Qottab as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of Persian tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat during festive gatherings or as a special gift for loved ones.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Qottab on a serving platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can garnish the platter with a few sprigs of fresh mint or rose petals for an elegant touch.