Sohan (Brittle)
Sohan is a genuine Iranian sweet, which has a unique taste all over the world. In its recipe, the thing that attracts the most attention is wheat germ. Sohan-e Qom is the most famous in Iran and the various type of that is produced in Qom. The history of cooking brittle in Qom dates back to the Qajar era. It was first cooked during the Qajar period. There are currently more than 700 Sohan factory in Qom. The daily production of this pastry in Qom is about 5 tons a day, with 20 tons exported outside the province and the rest purchased by pilgrims, travelers, and residents.
Sohan Compounds
Although there are different types of Brittle, almost all of them have similar recipes. The main raw materials are water, wholemeal flour, wheat germ, sugar, oil, egg yolk, cardamom, saffron, and pistachio kernel and thus very small differences in these materials can change the type of it. This pastry was formerly made in the traditional and hand-made way but is now baking with special machines and molds. Brittle has different types, each with a different recipe. Butter or vegetable oils are used to make this sweet. Adding fat to Sohan adds to its calories and increases the chewing ability, taste, odor, taste, and shelf life of the product. Sugar is added to brittle for sweetening, enhances color, and most importantly as a preservative.
Sohan Types
Different types of Sohan are produced in Qom and other cities of Iran. The most famous and popular types include honeyed, sesamed, almonded, pistachioed, and Gaz sweet. Here are some of the types and their recipe.
1. Honeyed brittle (Sohan asali)
Honeyed brittle is also the most popular type of this pastry, that recipe that contains sugar, honey, almond, or pistachio nuts.
2. Sesame brittle
Sesame Sohan is very similar to Honeyed brittle, only with the difference that sesame being used instead of almonds and pistachios.
3. Gaz brittle (Sohan Gaz)
Gaz Sohan which is one of the tasty Brittle in Qom has a lot of fans too. The recipe for that is the combination of Gaz and Sohan. Instead of walnuts and pistachios, the middle of this pastry is filled with Gaz.
4. Sohan halwa
Brittle Halwa is a traditional Iranian pastry that is cooked in different ways according to different types of recipes. It is made by boiling a mixture of water, sugar, milk, and cornflour until it becomes solid. Saffron is used for flavoring. Almonds, pistachios, and cardamom seeds are added.
Sohan's nutritional value
Brittle has a lot of calories, for example 1 serving of that has 75 calories. Wheat germ is a major source of it. Light brown color and brittle flavor are among the things that indicate its quality and depend on its raw materials. The type of oil and butter used in baking this pastry plays an important role in its quality.
- There are 75 calories in 1 serving of brittle.
- Calorie breakdown: 57% fat, 36% carbs, 6% protein.
Precautions
Conditions of storage
Brittle has to be ready for distribution in the appropriate packaging after the baking process is finished and it has cooled down enough. its packaging is usually in cardboard boxes or metal cans. Each of the brittle pieces is covered with wax or aluminum paper or any other suitable coating that prevents the pieces from sticking together. The door of the main box or cans of this tasty pastry must completely be sealed, preventing air from penetrating into it. Humidity is one of the problems that can affect the deterioration of sweets and the maintenance of Brittle. Wet places are not suitable for the storage of this pastry. The best containers for storing this sweet are metal containers.
Important tips for buying
- The color of this sweet should be light brown in color and have a pleasant aroma.
- The packaging must necessarily include the name and specifications of the factory, health license, net weight, ingredients, and expiration date.
- Try shopping from reputable stores.
- Do not place it behind the windshield and in direct sunlight.
- Keep the product in a cool, dry place to maintain the quality of the product.