Saffron Pistachio Sohan of Qom

Sohan is the signature sweet of Qom, the pilgrimage city south of Tehran, and few visitors leave without a tin. It is made from sprouted wheat flour, sugar, butter and egg yolk, cooked until golden, flavoured with saffron and cardamom, then spread into thin discs and topped with slivered pistachios and almonds. As it cools it sets crisp, so each piece snaps like toffee before melting into a rich, buttery sweetness.

Many Pakistanis hear "sohan" and think of Multani sohan halwa, but the two are different sweets. Multani sohan halwa is dense, chewy and heavy with ghee, cut into thick squares; Qom sohan is thin, crunchy and brittle, with saffron as its main flavour. Try both side by side at a winter gathering, or gift a tin at Eid and weddings.

Why you'll love it

• Qom-style sohan made with real saffron
• Crisp, brittle texture topped with pistachio and almond
• Round tin keeps pieces whole and makes a ready gift
• A warming winter treat with doodh patti or kahwa

Storage & use

• Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed
• Avoid humidity, which softens the crunch