Pashmak Recipe

Pashmak (پشمک) is Persian cotton candy sweet which has a flossy texture. Cotton candy was invented in the late 1800s, and it paved its way to Iran after the world war ii. Lorestan and Borujerd were the two regions that were introduced to Pashmak. However, soon after many other cities, such as Yazd started to be the centre of making Pashmak in Iran. Nowadays many people think that Pashmak is a souvenir and local sweet of Yazd. As time passed, several factories started to produce industrialized Pashamk. Tabriz is one of the cities that has the most famous Pashmak factories in Iran. Iranians celebrate the last night of fall which they call Yalda night by gathering together.

Yalda night has its particular catering and activities. Pashmak is one of the components of this night that is always served along with pomegranate, watermelon and other parts. Moreover, cotton candy is a snack that Iranians sell in the parks. It is common to see cotton candy makers and sellers in Iranian parks.

Different types of Pashmak:

In the past, it was only one type of Pashmak which has a white colour and a flossy texture. As time passed, they add flavours, such as vanilla to that. Then there were some other flavours such as saffron. By the invention of industrialized Pashamk, the shape of this sweet started to change, too. Factories invented, Pashmak Loghmeyi, which not only was a pioneer shape but also made eating this sweet easier. Soon after, other flavours such as chocolate and fruit essences were added to the varieties. Nowadays, there are plenty of Pashmak types that have different appearances and different tastes. You can find it with any fruit flavour, including coconut, strawberry, watermelon, and bananas. Moreover, you can find them in several kinds of boxing, such as mixed boxes that include different flavours.

Important Nutrition Facts of Pashmak:

Since Pashmak is made with flour and sugar mainly, it has a high calorie but deficient nutrition. It has 496 kcal per 100gr. However, on average serving, it has about 89 kcal. It is a source of carbohydrates and has 66 gr carbohydrates in each 100 gr. It also has 4 gr protein and 24 gr fat. Since it has a high amount of sugar, we do not recommend it for the people who have diabetes or who are suffering from high blood pressure. Overall, Persian sweets are not very rich in nutrition, but they are very delicious. Therefore, nutritionists suggest using them in small amounts.

Vegetarian tips:

Pashmak has the most handful and vegetarian ingredients. As a vegetarian or vegan, you can coincidentally make and eat this Persian cotton candy. The only thing that you might consider is the type of oil in making it. If you are making it at home, consider using vegetable oil.

Serving style of Pashmak:

Depending on Pashmak’s type and the place that it is being served the serving style can vary. For example, flossy texture types are served while they are attached to a stick in the parks. However, when they are served at home, usually, Iranians put it in a bowl, and everyone gets the amount they like. If you are going to use Pashmak as a sweet in your Persian gathering hosting, I suggest you use Loghmeyi type which has a more solid shape and is easier to serve and eat. Like all other Persian sweets, it can best accompany a cup of Persian tea. Usually, it is served on Yalda night and not as a dessert. Despise other sweets; it might not be a proper sweet for a dessert. In Yalda night, you can serve it along with watermelon, nuts, and pomegranates.

What are the ingredients of Pashmak?

Pashmak has the most handful ingredients of Persian cuisine sweets. It has flour and sugar as the main ingredients and some other ingredients that help to create its taste and texture. Pashmak’s cooking is dependant on the cooking method more than elements. Other components that you need to make this candy are oil, which you can use ghee or vegetable oil. Finally, you will need water and vinegar to make Pashmak at home. You can also add some flavours such as vanilla or saffron to your liking.

How to cook Pashmak?

First of all, prepare a pot and a tray and put them next to you. Start with solving sugar in the water. Mix the sugar and water and heat them. When the mixture started to boil, add the vinegar and start battering the syrup with a spoon. When the combination made a thick texture, pour it on a tray and kneed to make thread-like shapes. Then fry the flour with oil in the pot. Pout the flour in a tray that you have your Pashmak threads. Knead them till they make a soft cotton-like texture. To knead it more manageable at this level, try to shape the components in 8 shapes.

Recipe:

The serving amount depends on your liking. The preparation time of this recipe is 5 minutes, and the cooking time is about 40 minutes.