Traditional Persian Saffron Rice Pudding Recipe
Welcome to the world of Persian culinary delights with our guide on how to make Persian Saffron Rice Pudding, known as Sholeh Zard. This aromatic, sweet dessert is a staple in Iranian cuisine, often gracing the tables during religious ceremonies, holidays, and festive gatherings. With its rich history rooted in Persian culture, this dish combines the luxury of saffron with the comforting creaminess of rice and milk, creating an irresistible treat that has been cherished for generations.
Ingredients
Serves 4-6 people
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Milk | 4 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Saffron | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rose water | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon | to taste |
| Pistachios | for garnish |
| Almonds | for garnish |
| Cardamom | a pinch |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Rice – Thoroughly wash the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This ensures that the Persian Saffron Rice Pudding will have a smoother texture. Soak the rice in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes, then drain it well.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice – Place the rinsed rice in a large pot with 5 cups of water. Cook on medium heat for 30-40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and soft. You may need to add more water during cooking to ensure the rice is tender.
Step 3: Adding Milk – Once the rice is soft, add the milk to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 30 minutes. The rice should continue to cook and absorb the milk, resulting in a thick, unified mixture.
Step 4: Sweetening with Sugar and Saffron – Stir the sugar into the pot until it dissolves completely. Add the brewed saffron, stirring gently to combine and color the pudding evenly.
Step 5: Infusing with Rose Water and Butter – Pour the rose water and, if desired, the butter into the pudding. Stir well to incorporate the ingredients, enhancing the flavor and achieving a creamy texture.
Step 6: Finalizing the Cook – Let the Persian Saffron Rice Pudding simmer for an additional 15 minutes over low heat, ensuring all ingredients meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Garnishing and Serving – Transfer the pudding into bowls. Decorate with cinnamon, pistachios, and almonds to add an elegant touch. Enjoy this dessert warm or chilled.
Pro Tips
For optimal results, use high-quality saffron and let it steep in hot water before adding it to the pudding. Adjust sugar according to taste preferences. If the pudding is too thick, add more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze Persian Saffron Rice Pudding. Ensure it is completely cooled before placing it in airtight containers. Avoid garnishing before freezing. Thaw gradually in the refrigerator and warm it gently before serving.
If your Persian Saffron Rice Pudding becomes too thick, incorporate additional milk while stirring until you reach the preferred consistency. This is a simple adjustment to keep your dessert creamy and lush.
Rose water imparts a distinct floral note characteristic of many Persian desserts. However, you can adjust its quantity based on personal preference or omit it if you prefer a subtler flavor.
