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Ajil-e moshkel gosha
آجیل مشکلگشا · 'Problem-solving' mixed nuts and fruit for Chaharshanbe Suri
On Chaharshanbe Suri, the bonfire night on the last Tuesday evening before Nowruz, families across Iran jump over small fires in the street and then share a big bowl of ajil-e moshkel gosha, the 'nuts that untie problems', making a wish as they eat. The same mix comes out again on Yalda, the longest night of the year in December. It mixes salted roasted pistachios and almonds with roasted chickpeas, sweet dried figs, white mulberries, raisins and sugared almonds, so every handful is sweet, salty and crunchy. The common mistake is using raw nuts; the toasting is what makes it taste like the bazaar version. Chef's tip: toss the warm nuts with a little salted water and let them dry in the oven for a light salty coating that sticks.
- Total time
- 17 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 10
Ingredients
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What you'll need
Spices & pantry
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Method
0/3 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (300°F fan). Spread the 5 ½ oz pistachios in their shells, 3 ½ oz whole almonds and 2 ⅞ oz hazelnuts on a baking tray and roast for 8 minutes, until fragrant and the almonds are light gold inside.
8 minStep 2: Dissolve the 1 tsp salt in the 2 tbsp water, sprinkle it over the hot nuts and toss. Return to the oven for 3–4 minutes until dry and lightly crusted with salt.
4 minStep 3: Let the nuts cool completely, then mix with the 3 ½ oz roasted chickpeas (nokhodchi), 3 ½ oz dried figs, 2 ⅞ oz dried white mulberries, 2 ⅞ oz golden raisins and 1 ¾ oz sugared almonds (noghl), if using. Serve in a big bowl; it keeps 2 weeks in an airtight jar.
3 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 260 kcal
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbs
- 24 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fibre
- 5 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does ajil-e moshkel gosha take?
- About 17 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 10 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of roasted chickpeas (nokhodchi)?
- Cannellini or butter beans, same amount.
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