Global Guide to Recipes Featuring Rose

Rose is a versatile ingredient that has been cherished in various cuisines around the world, offering a subtle floral flavour and aromatic essence. Here’s a selection of recipes from different cultures that incorporate rose in delightful ways.

1. Persian Rose Water Rice Pudding (Shirin Polow)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice

• 4 cups milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup rose water

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup raisins

• Pinch of salt

• Saffron strands (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain.

2. In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Add the soaked rice and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and the mixture is thickened, about 25–30 minutes.

4. Stir in the rose water, saffron (if using), almonds, and raisins. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional almonds and rose petals.

2. Indian Rose Lassi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yoghurt

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 2 tablespoons rose syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• Ice cubes

• Chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the yoghurt, cold water, rose syrup, and ground cardamom.

2. Blend until smooth and frothy. Adjust sweetness according to taste.

3. Serve over ice, garnished with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of rose syrup.

3. Turkish Delight (Lokum)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon rose water

• Cornstarch and icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

2. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the sugar mixture, stirring continuously.

3. Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens and pulls away from the sides.

4. Remove from heat and stir in rose water.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased dish and allow to set for several hours or overnight.

6. Once set, dust with cornstarch and icing sugar, then cut into squares.

4. Middle Eastern Rose and Pistachio Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 cup rose water

• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with paper cases.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the milk and rose water.

4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.

5. Fold in the chopped pistachios.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cases and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Allow to cool and serve as a fragrant afternoon snack.

5. Rose Petal Jam (Gulkand)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh rose petals (preferably from edible roses)

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Wash the rose petals gently to remove any dirt or insects. Drain thoroughly.

2. In a pot, combine water and sugar, bringing it to a boil until dissolved.

3. Add the rose petals and lemon juice. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens.

4. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in sterilised jars.

5. Enjoy on toast, as a topping for desserts, or mixed into beverages.

Florist tips

These recipes showcase the enchanting flavour of rose across various culinary traditions. From sweet to aromatic dishes, incorporating rose can really bring food to life!