Recipe for Persian "Shirini Zaban" (Tongue Pastry) with Puff Pastry

This dry pastry is loved for its long shelf life and delightful flavor. While puff pastry can be challenging to prepare, using ready-made versions is an option. However, this recipe provides a detailed guide to making Shirini Zaban from scratch with puff pastry dough.

Ingredients for Shirini Zaban

• All-purpose flour: 300 grams

• Butter: 150 grams

• Egg: 1

• Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon

• Citric acid (or lemon salt): 1 teaspoon

• Vanilla: ½ teaspoon

• Salt: 1 teaspoon

• Cold water: 1 cup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• Place the flour in a large bowl. Create a well in the center.

• In a separate bowl, mix the egg, vegetable oil, citric acid, water, and salt. Gradually pour this mixture into the flour, kneading until a smooth and uniform dough forms.

• Let the dough rest for 1 hour to settle.

2. Incorporate the Butter

• Sprinkle flour on a flat surface. Roll the dough into a 2 cm thick square.

• Place the butter in the center of the dough. Fold the edges of the dough over the butter, covering it completely.

• Using a rolling pin, gently tap the dough to soften the butter without tearing the dough.

3. Layer the Dough

• Roll the dough to a 1 cm thickness. Fold it into six layers and place it in a cool area for 20 minutes.

• Roll the dough out again to a 1 cm thickness, but this time, rotate the dough 90 degrees before folding it into six layers.

• Repeat this process six times in total, brushing off any excess flour from the surface of the dough each time. For the final roll, ensure the dough is 1 cm thick.

4. Shape the Pastry

• Roll out the puff pastry into a square or rectangle with a thickness of 1 to 1.5 cm.

• Use a tongue-shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into pieces. Make a 2 cm slit along the center of each piece with a sharp knife.

5. Add the Glaze

• Prepare a caramel glaze by melting sugar over a double boiler. Mix in the egg, and brush this mixture over the pastries.

• Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet.

6. Bake

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the pastries in the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Additional Pastry Ideas

This puff pastry dough can also be used to make other desserts such as Napoleons, bow-shaped pastries, cones, cream-filled pastries, and vol-au-vent.

Enjoy your homemade Shirini Zaban—crispy, buttery, and delicious!