Refreshing Faloodeh: A Persian Lime and Rose Water Granita with Rice Noodles

According to SAEDNEWS, If you’re looking to explore the sweet side of Persian cuisine, Faloodeh is a must-try. This ancient dessert, a unique blend of granita and rice noodles, is infused with the fragrant notes of rose water and the zesty brightness of lime juice. It's a refreshing treat that has delighted palates for centuries and is a staple in every ice cream shop across Iran.

The Story of Faloodeh

Traditionally enjoyed in the warm months, Faloodeh is not just a dessert; it's an experience. Most ice cream shops in Iran typically serve just two iconic desserts: saffron ice cream and Faloodeh. While saffron ice cream is rich and indulgent, Faloodeh provides a light, crispy contrast, making it the perfect finale to any meal. Though I have fond memories of enjoying it with bottled lime juice as a child, I now prefer it topped with fresh lime juice for that extra zing.

Ingredients (Yield: 6 to 8 servings)

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- Fine sea salt

- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 3 to 4 limes), plus wedges for serving

- 2 tablespoons rose water

- 4 ounces very thin rice noodles or rice vermicelli

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Create the Syrup

In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of water over low heat, and add half of the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Mix in ⅛ teaspoon of salt and the remaining sugar. Stir until fully dissolved, then cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for Freezing

In a freezer-safe bowl, mix 4 cups of water, the cooled syrup, lime juice, and rose water. Place the bowl in the freezer for about an hour, until ice crystals start to form along the edges.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a medium pot. Cook the rice noodles thoroughly (about 8 minutes or according to package instructions) until there's no bite left. Drain and rinse them with cold water. Use scissors to cut the noodles into 1-inch pieces and mix them into the partially frozen syrup. Make sure the mixture has begun to freeze before adding the noodles; if not, freeze for another hour.

Step 4: Scrape and Fluff

For the next few hours, every hour, scrape the granita with a fork to prevent large icy chunks from forming. The final texture should be light, airy, and full of crispy noodle bits.

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, scrape the granita into bowls and top with lime wedges.

Faloodeh is more than just a dessert; it’s a refreshing taste of Persian heritage. With every bite, you’ll experience the delightful contrast of flavors and textures that make this dish a beloved favorite. Whether you enjoy it at home or at a local Persian restaurant, Faloodeh is sure to transport you to the sunny streets of Iran with its vibrant and invigorating taste. Enjoy your journey into the sweet world of Persian desserts!