For centuries, flowers have enjoyed a vital place in the kitchen. Rose water has a long-reigning presence in Middle Eastern cuisine, adding aroma, elegance, and a clarifying lift.
Most of us are familiar with the beauty benefits of rose water and its use as a dominant ingredient in several skin-care regimens like a cleanser or toner, and its uses in hair care products. But did you know rose water is used in cooking too? Check out some mindblowing uses of rose water in cooking.
Use it for baking
Instead of using vanilla for baking, swap it with rose water for a more floral and fragrant essence. This smart cooking hack works in favor of muffins, tarts, and cakes. You may also add rose water to your cookie dough for a Middle Eastern flavor, and it will also add a fine texture to the flour dough.
Mix it in creamy recipes
Cream and rose water go hand in hand, a match made in heaven; there is nothing like digging your spoon in a delicious and creamy bowl of panna cotta flavored with a hint of rose water. Try adding rose water to puddings, ice creams, and rice pudding, too.
Infuse drinks and beverages with rose water
Add a generous amount of rose water to instantly elevate the taste and flavor of cocktails like Ruby Rose Paloma. You may also use rose water in strawberry daiquiris and lemonades to seamlessly balance the flavors of tart fruits in those beverages. You may also use this versatile essence to add flavor to various Indian dessert drinks like falooda, which is commonly served with Rooh Afza (a sweet red syrup) and ice cream.
Splash some over your fruits
For its tempting floral aroma and taste, rose water can be paired with summer and sweet spring fruits like raspberries, peaches, rhubarb, and strawberries. Pour it into your favorite fruit syrup, stir it well into a fruity sorbet, or mix it with your summertime jam.
Flavor your snacks with rose water
When rose water is roasted, its floral fragrance gets more subdued, and its flavor becomes more vanilla-like. Add rose water to candied nuts that are typically served with flavorful mint tea, to enjoy the perfect blend of aromatics.
Use the delicate floral taste and fragrance of rose water to elevate the flavor of your recipe while balancing out tart ingredients.
