A crisp, flaky Persian puff pastry coated with a glossy honey glaze, baked to golden perfection and often sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Shirini Zaban (شیرینی زبان) is a classic Persian pastry made from puff pastry dough, coated with a honey or sugar glaze to create a shiny, crisp exterior. The name "Shirini" means "sweet", and "Zaban" means "tongue", referring to the elongated shape of the pastry, which resembles a tongue.
This pastry has been a favorite in Persian bakeries for generations, often enjoyed alongside Persian tea (Chai). While influenced by French puff pastry techniques, Shirini Zaban has a distinctly Persian flavor, often flavored with cardamom and topped with sesame seeds or pistachios.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds or crushed pistachios (for garnish, optional)
For the Glaze:
¼ cup honey or sugar syrup
1 tbsp rosewater
½ tsp cardamom powder (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Pastries:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into oval or rectangular shapes, about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Place the pieces on a lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash & Bake:
Brush the top of each pastry with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Prepare the Honey Glaze:
In a small saucepan, warm honey (or sugar syrup) with rosewater and cardamom. Stir until fully combined, then remove from heat.
Glaze & Garnish:
While the pastries are still warm, brush them with the honey glaze for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or crushed pistachios if desired.
Serve & Enjoy:
Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed with Persian tea (Chai)!
Recipe Note
Tips & Variations
For extra crispiness, bake at a slightly higher temperature for the last 5 minutes.
For a deeper flavor, use saffron-infused honey instead of plain honey.
For a nutty twist, add a thin layer of ground pistachios or almonds between the puff pastry layers.
