January 08, 2009

Sholeh Zard - Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

شله زرد  Sholeh zard - is a fragrant and flavorful traditional Iranian dessert made with rice, saffron, rosewater, and sugar, often garnished with cinnamon, slivered almonds, and pistachios. Preparing Sholeh Zard requires patience, but it is well worth the effort.

Sholeh Zard - Saffron & Rosewater Rice Pudding

Ingredients
Serves 8

-2 cups white rice
-2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
-1 teaspoon ground saffron dissolved in 3 tablespoons of hot water
-1/2 cup slivered almonds
-1/2 cup rosewater
-2 tablespoons butter

Garnish
-2 tablespoons slivered almonds
-2 tablespoons ground pistachios
-1-2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Method
  1. Rinse the rice under cool water until the water becomes clear. Drain, then place the rice in a large bowl with 6 cups of water. Soak for 6-8 hours. 
  2. Drain the soaked rice, place it in a large heavy-bottomed pot, add 8 cups of water, and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook on low for 40 minutes or until the rice is soft and the water is fully absorbed, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. 
  3. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the slivered almonds and butter, stirring well.
  5. Stir in the saffron and simmer over low heat for another 20 minutes. 
  6. Add the rosewater, cover, and cook gently for another 10-15 minutes over low heat. 
Spoon the rice pudding into a large serving bowl or small bowls. Garnish with cinnamon, almonds, and pistachios and let cool for at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy!

13 comments:

  1. lovely, i plan on preparing this on the weekend. it ws made in our home too, not for nazr necessarily.

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  2. Dear Shayma,

    I hope you enjoy your sholeh zard this weekend and I agree with you that it does not necessarily need to be made for a nazri occasion.

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  3. would love for you to have a look at my sholeh zard recipe, it's my Madre Kalan's.

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  4. looks yummy

    i will do it tomorrow Inshallah

    can i use basmati rice or there is another type prefer for this pudding??

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  5. Bent el Deera, yes, you can use basmati rice for this pudding. Thank you for visiting.

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  6. I DID IT AND IT WAS VERY YUMMI .. I POST THE PICTURE IN MY BLOG :)
    THANK YOU

    AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND TO ALL READER :)

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  7. Im an American, whose husband is Persian. He loves sholezard, so I'm going to try to make this for him. I'm not very good at following recipes, but you make it sound so easy. I'll keep you posted as to if I succeeded! Thank you!

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  8. I think you have a fantastic blog. What kind of rice did you use here?

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  9. Azita joon, I have been craving this for weeks. And now that the weather has heated up, it's time to make a batch.
    I love your recipe. Such beautiful presentation. Can't wait to try it. xoxo

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  10. Thanks for this fantastic blog my dear! What rice should we be using for this? Basmati? or short grain?

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    Replies
    1. Unknown, short-grain rice is the best choice for sholeh zard (rice pudding) but I like to use basmati rice for its aroma and flavor. Thank you!

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  11. I just made this, it's fantastic. Just a few ago I returned from a trip to Iran and while cooking this dessert, I felt like I'm back in Iran, all these fragrances... yum! Love your blog :*

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