Ab Haveej Bastani Recipe: Carrot Juice Saffron Ice Cream Float

What Is Ab Haveej Bastani?

Ab Haveej Bastani is a Persian dessert drink in which fresh carrot juice meets a scoop of creamy ice cream. In Persian, the name simply means carrot juice with ice cream.

This version blends rose flavoured carrot juice with saffron infused vanilla ice cream, then finishes it with crunchy pistachios and almonds. It takes about 20 minutes of hands on time, plus freezing, and it is just what you need to beat the summer heat.

History and Origin

Ice and sweetness have a long partnership in Persia. Food historians trace "Bastani", the Persian word for "Ice Cream", back to around 500 BCE in the Achaemenid Empire, when syrups were poured over snow to make cooling summer treats.

Bastani Sonnati, the traditional saffron ice cream, is made with milk, saffron, rose water and pistachios, and is often studded with flakes of frozen cream. It is said to have reached Tehran’s ice cream shops in the early twentieth century and became the benchmark for Iranian ice cream.

Ab Haveej Bastani grew out of Iran’s fresh juice shops, where carrot juice is pressed to order and paired with a scoop of ice cream. Saffron ice cream is used when available, and plain vanilla when it is not.

In Iran, it is widely popular, especially in the steamy cities by the Persian Gulf, where this drink has a dedicated fan base. Saffron and rose water are the heart of Persian sweets, so the carrot float keeps their perfume while the earthy sweetness of carrots leads the way.

My Nostalgia and Memory

The idea for this Middle Eastern dessert drink came from a casual mother and daughter moment. My daughter found a video showcasing popular drinks worldwide, and we were instantly hooked on this one.

Lucky for us, all the ingredients for this saffron carrot ice cream juice were right there in the fridge. So, of course, we went all in!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• A Dessert Dressed as a Drink: It is a dessert masquerading as a refreshing summer beverage, sweet, creamy and vibrant.
• Nutrient Rich Carrots: Carrot juice is loaded with Vitamin A, which supports skin, eyesight and immune health. It is a refreshing way to sneak in some nutrients.
• Saffron’s Unique Flavour and Perks: Saffron brings a deep golden colour and a hint of luxury. It is also traditionally prized for its mood lifting reputation and contains antioxidants.
• Floral Rose Essence: A few drops of rose water give the drink its Persian vibe, with a delicate aroma and taste in every sip.
• Light and Refreshing: Despite being creamy and satisfying, it is surprisingly light, perfect when you want something sweet without feeling weighed down.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Store bought vanilla ice cream works beautifully, so there is no ice cream maker to fuss over.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Persian (Iranian)
• Recipe Type: Dessert Drink, Summer Drink, Float
• Yields: 1 to 2 Glasses
• Servings: 1 to 2 Portions
• Difficulty: Easy / Beginner Friendly
• Author: SM @ Essence of Life - Food

Time Estimate

• Preparation Time: 15 to 20 Minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 Minutes (no cooking needed)
• Freezing Time: 3 to 4 Hours, or overnight
• Total Time: About 4 Hours 20 Minutes, including freezing

How to Make Ab Haveej Bastani: Step by Step Guide

What You Will Need

To make this refreshing Persian carrot juice float with saffron ice cream, you need a few simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable treat:

• Carrot Juice: Freshly squeezed or store bought, for a sweet, earthy base packed with Vitamin A.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Softened and infused with a few strands of luxurious saffron for that authentic Persian twist.
• Saffron Strands: Just a few, to add a warm, golden hue and a rich, unique flavour.
• Rose Essence or Rose Water: Only a few drops, for a subtle floral note and the fragrance that gives the drink its Persian vibe.
• Pistachios and Almonds: A sprinkle on top for a satisfying crunch and extra texture.

Ingredient List

For the Carrot Juice:

• 2 cups Fresh Carrots (washed, peeled and chopped)
• 2 tbsp Sugar or Honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Water
• ½ tbsp Rose Water
• 1 pinch Saffron Strands (optional, for the juice)

For the Saffron Infused Vanilla Ice Cream:

• 6 to 8 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream (store bought or homemade)
• ¼ tsp Saffron Strands
• 3 tbsp Hot Water
• A few drops Rose Water

To Assemble and Garnish (per glass):

• 1 cup Carrot Juice (freshly extracted for the best flavour)
• 1 to 1½ scoops Saffron Infused Vanilla Ice Cream
• 1 handful Pistachios (finely chopped)
• 1 handful Almonds (finely chopped)

Method: Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Extract and Scent the Carrot Juice

1. Wash and peel the fresh carrots. Organic carrots are preferred for their flavour and health benefits.
2. Chop the carrots into smaller pieces and blend them with 1 cup of water in a juicer or blender until smooth. If using a blender, strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.
3. Stir in the rose water. This unique addition lifts the flavour and gives a delightful fragrance.
4. For an extra touch of luxury, add a pinch of saffron. It enhances the taste and adds a beautiful golden hue (optional).
5. Sweeten with sugar or honey to taste, then chill the juice until you are ready to assemble.

Pro Tip: Freshly extracted carrot juice, kept without any sweetener, stays in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, so you can juice ahead and sweeten only when serving.

Step 2: Make the Saffron Infused Vanilla Ice Cream

1. Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes until slightly softened.
2. In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in the hot water for a few minutes to release their rich colour and flavour. Allow it to cool down.
3. In a larger bowl, combine the softened ice cream, the saffron water and a few drops of rose water. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight, until firm.
5. To enjoy it on its own as a dessert, scoop the ice cream into bowls and top generously with chopped pistachios and almonds.

Pro Tip: Cool the saffron water completely before mixing it in, so the ice cream stays thick and scoopable instead of turning runny.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve Ab Haveej Bastani

1. Place your serving glasses in the freezer for about 5 minutes so the drink stays cold.
2. Remove the glasses and pour in the carrot juice until they are about half full.
3. Gently add 1 to 1½ scoops of saffron infused vanilla ice cream into each glass, on top of the juice.
4. Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios and almonds generously over the top for a crunchy texture.
5. Serve immediately, chilled, and watch your guests delight in this exotic drink.

Pro Tip: Chilled glasses keep the orange and cream layers distinct and slow the early melting of the ice cream.

Pro Tips and Notes

• Ice Cream Alternatives: If you do not have saffron infused vanilla ice cream, regular vanilla ice cream also works well. The saffron adds an aromatic touch, but the drink remains delicious without it.
• Enhance Flavour with Rose Water: A few drops of rose water in the carrot juice before serving lift the overall flavour and aroma. Use it sparingly, as too much can overpower the drink.
• Presentation Matters: Serve in clear glasses to show off the beautiful layers of orange and cream.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative! Chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon add a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ab Haveej Bastani in tall, clear glasses with a long spoon and a straw, so every sip catches both juice and cream. It makes a lovely afternoon refreshment, or a cooling finish after a rich Persian or Arabian rice feast.

The two parts also shine alone. Enjoy the carrot juice as a refreshing breakfast beverage or mid afternoon pick me up, and serve the saffron ice cream on its own for special occasions.

Love drinks that double as dessert? Explore more Exquisite Drinks Masquerading as Dessert Recipes on the blog.

Storage Suggestions

• Refrigeration: Keep unsweetened fresh carrot juice in a covered jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Assemble the drink just before serving, as the float does not store well once the ice cream starts to melt.
• Freezing and Thawing: Keep the saffron infused ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer, best within 2 weeks, and let it soften for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping. Extra carrot juice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months, thawed overnight in the refrigerator and stirred well.
• Reheating: Not applicable. Ab Haveej Bastani is served cold, never warmed.

FAQ

What is Ab Haveej Bastani?
Ab Haveej Bastani, also written Ab Havij Bastani, is a traditional Persian drink and dessert made with fresh carrot juice and saffron infused vanilla ice cream. The name means carrot juice with ice cream.

What is Ab Haveej Bastani made of?
It is made with fresh carrot juice, saffron infused vanilla ice cream and rose water, garnished with chopped pistachios and almonds.

Is Ab Haveej Bastani a drink or a dessert?
It is both. In Iran it is commonly enjoyed as a refreshing drink, but the ice cream makes it feel like a dessert as well.

Can I make Ab Haveej Bastani without saffron?
Yes. Saffron adds a distinctive aroma and colour, but the drink still tastes delicious with regular vanilla ice cream.

Can I use store bought carrot juice instead of fresh?
Yes. Fresh carrot juice is preferred for flavour and nutrition, but a good quality store bought juice works as a convenient alternative.

Can I use a blender instead of a juicer?
Yes. Blend the chopped carrots with water until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.

What does rose water do in this recipe?
Rose water adds a subtle floral fragrance that enhances the Persian flavour profile. Use it sparingly so it does not overpower the drink.

Can I make Ab Haveej Bastani ahead of time?
You can prepare the carrot juice and the saffron ice cream in advance. Assemble the drink just before serving to keep the ice cream's texture.

What type of ice cream works best?
Vanilla ice cream infused with saffron is ideal. Plain vanilla ice cream works perfectly well if saffron is not available.

Is Ab Haveej Bastani healthy?
It contains nutrients from carrot juice, such as Vitamin A, and antioxidants from saffron. Since it includes ice cream and sweetener, it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily health drink.

Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes. With homemade carrot juice you control the sweetness by adjusting the sugar or honey. Store bought juices may already contain added sweetness.

What can I use instead of nuts for garnish?
Skip the nuts or use pumpkin seeds, or add a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a different twist.

Is Ab Haveej Bastani vegetarian and gluten free?
It is vegetarian and made without wheat, but always check your ice cream label for gluten and for gelatine if that matters to you.

Can I make Ab Haveej Bastani vegan?
Not as written, because it uses dairy ice cream. A good dairy free vanilla ice cream and sugar in place of honey will give a vegan version.

Is Ab Haveej Bastani kid friendly?
Yes, children usually love it. Serve a smaller glass, and leave out whole nuts for little ones.

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Savour the Delight of Ab Haveej Bastani

Ab Haveej Bastani is not just a drink, it is an experience. Refreshing carrot juice, creamy ice cream and crunchy nuts come together in a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

A golden swirl of saffron, a whisper of rose, and a cold spoon sliding through sunshine in a glass. Whether it is a sunny afternoon or a festive gathering, this delightful Persian drink belongs on your table.