Sheer Pira

Homemade Afghan sweets 

Ingredients

• 440 g(2 cups) white sugar
• 500 ml(2 cups) water
• 440 g(4 cups) full-cream milk powder
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp rosewater
• 125 g(1 cup) chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp ground pistachios

Rosewater is popular in Middle Eastern cooking, and the star of Turkish delight. This recipe for Afghan sweets also includes walnuts and pistachios.

Instructions

Resting time 30 minutes

Sheer Pira

Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Simmer, without stirring, for 10–15 minutes, or until a thick syrup forms. Do not allow the syrup to colour.

Meanwhile, combine the milk powder, cardamom, rosewater and walnuts in a bowl. Pour over the hot syrup and quickly combine well. Pour mixture into a shallow dish and scatter with the ground pistachios. Stand for 30 minutes or until cool and set. Cut into diamonds or squares to serve.

Cook's notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.