Sholeh Zard Persian Iranian Dessert
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Sholeh Zard, a traditional Persian dessert that brings together creamy basmati rice, fragrant saffron, and the delicate aroma of rosewater. This iconic Iranian rice pudding is sweetened to perfection with granulated sugar and enriched with slivered almonds and a hint of cardamom for a truly unique depth of flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and vibrant chopped pistachios, Sholeh Zard not only tastes divine but also offers a stunning visual appeal. Perfect for festive gatherings or a comforting treat, this dessert is naturally gluten-free and can be served chilled or at room temperature. With its golden hue and aromatic spices, Sholeh Zard is a delightful journey into the heart of Persian culinary tradition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 8 cups Water
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Saffron threads
- 0.25 cup Rosewater
- 0.5 cup Slivered almonds
- 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed rice and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the rice uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until it breaks down and becomes very soft. Skim any foam that forms on the surface.
While the rice is cooking, grind the saffron threads into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Dissolve the ground saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water and set it aside to steep.
Once the rice is softened, stir in the sugar and unsalted butter. Cook for an additional 10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Add the dissolved saffron, rosewater, slivered almonds, and ground cardamom to the pot. Mix well and continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for another 20 minutes. The mixture should thicken to a pudding-like consistency.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the Sholeh Zard to cool slightly.
Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls or a large dish. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
Once fully cooled, garnish with ground cinnamon and chopped pistachios. You can use a stencil to create decorative patterns with the cinnamon, if desired.
Serve the Sholeh Zard at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy this fragrant and comforting Persian dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
449 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.7 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 15 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.7 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.6 g | ||
| Protein | 5.0 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 170 mg | 4% | |
*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.
