Indulge in the delightful tanginess of Lavashak, a traditional Iranian treat crafted from dried fruits such as sour cherries or plums. This fruit leather offers a burst of flavor and a chewy texture that captivates the taste buds. Embark on a culinary journey through Iran's rich gastronomic heritage with Lavashak, where the sweetness of ripe fruits meets the subtle tartness of carefully selected ingredients. Perfect as a snack or a unique culinary experience, Lavashak is a testament to Iran's culinary ingenuity and cultural richness.

Ingredients:

  - 500g dried sour cherries or plums (pitted)

  - 1 cup sugar (adjust according to taste and sweetness of fruits)

  - 1/4 cup water

  - Optional: lemon juice or zest for added tanginess

Instructions:

1- Begin by soaking the dried sour cherries or plums in warm water for about 1-2 hours or until they are soft and plump. Drain the excess water.

2- Place the softened fruits in a blender or food processor and pulse until they form a smooth paste-like consistency. You may need to add a little water to help with blending, but try to use as little water as possible to keep the mixture thick.

3- Transfer the fruit puree to a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add sugar and water to the puree and mix well.

4- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and reduces to a consistency similar to a thick paste. This process may take about 20-30 minutes.

5- Once the mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

6- Optional: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the mixture during the cooking process.

7- Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting or use a food dehydrator if you have one.

8- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and spread the fruit mixture evenly onto the prepared surface, making sure it's about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

9- Place the baking sheet or tray in the oven or food dehydrator and let it dry for 8-12 hours, or until the fruit leather is firm and no longer sticky to the touch. The drying time may vary depending on your oven or dehydrator and the thickness of the fruit leather.

10- Once dried, remove the fruit leather from the oven or dehydrator and let it cool completely.

11- Cut the fruit leather into desired shapes or roll it up and cut into slices to create individual servings.

12- Store the Iran Lavashak in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few weeks. Enjoy as a delicious and nutritious snack!

Nutritional Values ;

500g Dried Sour Cherries or Plums (Pitted):

 - Calories: About 1,800 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 450g

 - Protein: 5g 

Benefits: High in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins like vitamin A and C. May support digestive health, provide energy, and help reduce inflammation.

1 Cup Sugar (Adjust According to Taste and Sweetness of Fruits):

 - Calories: About 800 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds sweetness to the fruit mixture. However, should be used in moderation due to high caloric content and impact on blood sugar levels.

1/4 Cup Water:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Used to dissolve the sugar and help combine the ingredients. No significant nutritional value but essential for the preparation process.

Optional: Lemon Juice or Zest for Added Tanginess:

 - Calories: About 5 kcal per tablespoon of lemon juice

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a tangy flavor to balance the sweetness. Provides vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and overall health.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as the specific brand of ingredients used and any variations in the recipe. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are for the main ingredients and do not include any optional ingredients or additions such as lemon juice or zest.