Saffron Rice Pudding Sholeh Zard
Delight your senses with Sholeh Zard, a traditional Persian saffron rice pudding that’s as luxurious as it is aromatic. Made with perfectly simmered basmati rice, delicately infused with ground saffron and rosewater, this golden-hued dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Its rich blend of slivered almonds, butter, and warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon creates a silky texture and a sweet, fragrant flavor profile. Finished with a sprinkle of pistachios and cinnamon for an elegant garnish, Sholeh Zard is perfect as a chilled treat or a centerpiece dessert for special occasions. With its vibrant color, exotic flavors, and comforting creaminess, this saffron rice pudding is a recipe steeped in tradition and perfect for those seeking a unique dessert experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 8 cups Water
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground saffron
- 3 tablespoons Rosewater
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- 0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- 2 tablespoons Ground pistachios
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and mushy.
While the rice is cooking, steep the ground saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water to release its color and aroma. Set aside.
Once the rice is cooked and most of the water has been absorbed, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Cook for another 10 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Add the slivered almonds, unsalted butter, saffron water, rosewater, ground cardamom, and cinnamon powder to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another 20 minutes until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the pot from the heat, and let the sholeh zard cool slightly before transferring it into serving bowls or a large dish.
Smooth out the top of the pudding and let it cool completely to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour if serving cold.
Before serving, garnish with ground pistachios and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Enjoy this luxurious and aromatic dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2058 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.7 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.3 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 65 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 371.3 g | 135% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 303.6 g | ||
| Protein | 24.8 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 324 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 746 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
