Mann al-sama (من السما) is a traditional Iraqi confection whose consistency resembles a firm yet chewy nougat, richly filled with nuts and scented with cardamom.
The name mann al-sama literally translates to “manna from heaven”. This name is not just a poetic exaggeration but refers to the original, key ingredient. This is not refined sugar from a factory, but a natural resinous substance secreted by insects sucking sap from tamarisk or oak trees in the mountainous regions of Kurdistan and western Iran. This substance dries on the leaves of the trees and falls to the ground, where it is collected – literally like a gift from heaven.
Mann al-sama does not spoil, it withstands long journeys, and in a hot climate, it does not melt as easily as chocolate. The basis of the flavor is the aforementioned “manna”, which gives the treat a specific, inimitable taste that you will not find in common European nougat. Although today it is often extended with sugar or glucose syrup, quality versions still retain that natural character. Another essential ingredient is egg whites, which aerate the mass and give it its characteristic white color and chewy texture. The third ingredient is nuts – in Iraq most commonly walnuts or pistachios. These must be fresh and crunchy to create a contrast to the soft mass.
Cardamom functions as a refreshing element, cutting through the dense sweetness with its citrus-spicy aroma and preventing the food from overwhelming you after the first bite.
Iraqi mann al-sama is very similar to Iranian gaz; they are practically identical twins. Iranian gaz relies more on pistachios and rose water, while the Iraqi version prefers walnuts and cardamom, but the basic principle and use of manna is identical.
It is not a dessert of which you would eat a whole bowl; one or two pieces are enough to understand the essence of this Iraqi sweet.
Bon appétit!
