Known as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, Rasht is a melting pot of flavors and traditions, where food is not just sustenance, but an integral part of the culture and identity of its people.
Iran (IMNA) - Rasht's crowded historical bazaars are filled with the smells of spices, herbs, and freshly baked bread, inviting both visitors and locals to explore the city's diverse culinary decisions.
One of Rasht's most famous and popular dishes is the traditional Reshteh khoshkar, which has been handed down through generations and is considered a Ramadan staple. This delicious cookie is mainly composed of rice flour, wheat flour, sugar, almonds, walnuts, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and spices.
As you travel through a network of passageways of Rasht's bazaar, your senses are overwhelmed with smells and sounds. The packed environment is filled with the laughter of customers and the inviting sounds of vendors singing to market their products.
The scents of freshly baked pastries flows all around the neighboring alleyways. Amidst absolutely everyone's hustle and bustle, you spot an inexpensive cookie keep with a colorful display of candies and pastries that invitations you in. The shop immersed guests in a symphony of smells, every of them telling a story.
Stepping inside, you are greeted by the warm of ovens and the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies. At the center of the room, a skilled baker stands behind a cauldron like a conductor leading an orchestra. Around him, his team of bakers worked in perfect harmony, each one a skilled artisan in their own right.
The delicate aroma of cardamon and cinnamon fills the air, mingling with the savory notes of spices and nuts that waft from trays of freshly roasted shelled walnuts. The process of making Reshteh khoshkar is a labor of love. The hands of the baker moved with precision and purpose, measuring out ingredients with a practiced ease.
The rice flour batter is carefully poured into a small container with multiple holes, creating a beautiful pattern on a hot skillet. The skillet fries the batter, creating a thin, patterned sheet of rice pastry. A filling of crushed walnuts, sugar, and other ingredients is placed in the center of the pastry, which is then folded and fried in oil until golden brown. Now it’s time to eat; each bite is a delight for the senses, transporting you to the bustling streets of Iran during the festive month of Ramadan.
The tradition of making Reshteh khoshkar is a cherished one, with families coming together to buy these delicious cookies. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or shared with friends and loved ones, it brings joy and warmth to all who taste it.
So, the next time you find yourself in Iran during Ramadan, be sure to try the delectable Reshteh khoshkar. You will be welcomed with open arms and a plate full of these delightful cookies, each one filled with love and tradition.
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