How to Make Yalda Jelly and Pomegranate Dessert for Yalda Night, School, and Parties

According to Saednews, Yalda Night is the longest night of the year and holds special significance in Iranian culture. It is associated with unique customs, traditions, and symbolic foods. Each fruit served on this night carries a meaning. Among them, the pomegranate is the most important symbol of Yalda. Across Iran, it is considered a sign of blessing and prosperity as the cold winter begins.

You can decorate pomegranates or serve pomegranate jelly on the Yalda table. Pomegranate jelly is one of the most delicious desserts, and it is very easy to prepare. Below are several versions, including two-layer pomegranate jelly, pomegranate jelly with seeds, and single-serve variations.

Pomegranate Jelly with Ice Cream

Ingredients

• Pomegranate jelly powder: 1 pack

• Vanilla ice cream: 1 pack

• Boiling water: 1 cup

• Pomegranate seeds: ½ cup

Instructions

1. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it soften slightly.

2. Mix the jelly powder with boiling water in a suitable container.

3. Place the container over a pot of hot water (double boiler method) to fully dissolve the jelly crystals.

4. Once the mixture cools slightly, add the softened ice cream and gently stir to avoid creating foam.

5. Pour the mixture into a desired mold.

6. Refrigerate for about 25 minutes until fully set.

7. Remove from the mold and decorate with pomegranate seeds before serving.

Pomegranate Jelly with Milk

Ingredients

• Aloe vera jelly: 2 packs

• Boiling water: 1 cup per pack

• Pomegranate jelly: 1 pack

• Milk: 1 cup

• Pomegranate seeds: 1 cup

Instructions

1. Remove seeds from the pomegranate.

2. Mix one pack of aloe vera jelly with one cup of boiling water and dissolve it using indirect heat (double boiler method).

3. Lightly grease the mold with a small amount of oil.

4. Pour a small layer of jelly into the mold and refrigerate until partially set.

5. Add pomegranate seeds over the semi-set layer.

6. Add more aloe vera jelly and refrigerate again until it sets slightly.

7. Repeat until the aloe vera layer is complete and fully set (about 30 minutes in total chilling time between steps).

8. Dissolve another pack of aloe vera jelly in boiling water, then allow it to cool completely.

9. Mix it with one cup of milk and stir well.

10. Pour the white layer over the previous layers. When it becomes semi-set, add some pomegranate seeds again and refrigerate.

11. Prepare the pomegranate jelly by dissolving it in 1.5 cups of boiling water using a double boiler method.

12. After it cools, pour it over the layered mixture.

13. Refrigerate for 4–5 hours until fully set.

14. Remove from the mold, place in a serving dish, and decorate with pomegranate seeds.