Gosh-e fil

Gosh-e fil

Alternative names	Gosh feel, gosh-e feel, gowsh-e fil, gush-e fil
Type	Fried dough
Course	Dessert
Place of origin	Afghanistan, Iran
Main ingredients	Dough (flour, milk, butter, sugar, salt, cardamom, eggs), pistachios, powdered sugar

Gosh-e fil (Persian: گُوش فيل, lit. '"elephant's ear"') is a fried pastry of Iranian and Afghan cuisine. The dough is shaped like an elephant ear (goosh), and deep-fried in oil.

The dough is made by whisking eggs, milk and butter, then adding the mixture to the dry ingredients.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan each piece is then topped with chopped pistachios and powdered sugar. Also in Afghanistan the sweet is mainly served with tea, especially during Nowruz.

Gosh-e fil and doogh

In Iran, particularly in the city of Isfahan, gosh-e fil is traditionally served together with doogh, a cold savory yogurt-based drink. This sweet-salty combination is a well-known local specialty and part of the everyday street food culture in Isfahan, especially around Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

The pairing is considered unusual by many outsiders because of the contrast between the sweet crispy pastry and the sour salty doogh, but it has been popular among locals for a long time.

Tea time at historic Chah-e Haji Mirza Café in Isfahan. Persian tea served with gosh-e fil and nabat (saffron rock candy).

See also

• List of doughnut varieties
• List of fried dough varieties
• List of desserts
• Food portal