Poolaki

Poolaki is a thin, disc-shaped candy popular in Isfahan, Iran. Sugar is boiled down, dropped in small amounts, and left to cool and harden. The hard candy dissolves slowly in the mouth and is served as a sweet to accompany tea.

Aroma Sealed in a Thin Disc

In one method, sugar, water, and white vinegar are heated, and the thickened syrup is scooped up with a spoon and dropped into thin circles. As they cool, each becomes a small, single piece of candy. Some are given the yellow color and aroma of saffron, and others have sesame, dried lime, coconut, or other ingredients added; in some, the ingredients can be seen inside the clear candy.

Besides saffron, some are flavored with rose or lemon. One Isfahan producer also offers bags with an assortment of several flavors. When drinking tea, you can enjoy choosing a different aroma with each piece.

In Isfahan, poolaki is known as a local sweet alongside gaz. Gaz is a soft confection made with ingredients such as sugar, egg white, and nuts, and its texture differs from that of poolaki, which is set thin and hard. Even when they are served side by side at the same teatime, gaz is chewed, while poolaki can be enjoyed as it melts in the mouth.

The Syrup Left After Crystal Sugar

Among the workshop methods introduced by an Isfahan producer is one that uses the sugar syrup left over after making nabat, a crystallized sugar confection. Vinegar is added to the syrup and it is boiled down, flavorings are mixed in, and before it has fully set, it is passed through patterned rollers to form small circles or ovals. The shaping tools differ from those of the home method, in which the candy is dropped one piece at a time. Even after the large nabat crystals have been removed, sweet liquid remains, and it is put to use in a candy of a different form.

Small Circles Served with Tea

Eating poolaki with tea in place of sugar cubes is also a custom in Isfahan. The thin round shape is likened to a small coin, and this comparison is also tied to explanations of the name.

Glossary