Sholeh zard ("yellow pudding") is a silky rice pudding made without milk, colored gold with saffron and perfumed with rosewater and cardamom. In Iran it is cooked in large pots and shared with neighbors on religious occasions and family celebrations.
Prep: 1 hour (includes soaking) · Cook: 1 hour 15 minutes · Serves: 8
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (short or long grain, not parboiled)
- 8 cups water, plus more as needed
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground saffron steeped in 1/4 cup hot water
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup rosewater
- 6 green cardamom pods, seeds ground (about 1/2 tsp)
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, plus more to decorate
- Ground cinnamon and chopped pistachios, to decorate
Method
- Rinse the rice several times and soak it in cold water for 1 hour. Drain.
- Put the rice and 8 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam, then simmer on medium-low for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring now and then, until the grains are very soft and starting to break apart. Add hot water if it gets too thick.
- Stir in the sugar and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often so it does not stick.
- Add the saffron water, butter, rosewater, ground cardamom and slivered almonds. Cover and cook on the lowest heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick but still pourable. It will set as it cools.
- Pour into a serving dish or small bowls. When the surface has set, decorate with cinnamon lines, almonds and pistachios. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- To blanch almonds, crack them, soak the kernels in boiling water for 1 minute, then slip off the skins and sliver them.
- Rosewater brands vary in strength; start with less and add to taste at the end.
- Stir with a wooden spoon along the bottom of the pot so the pudding does not scorch.
FAQ
Does sholeh zard contain milk?
No. The creaminess comes from the rice starch, butter and sugar.
Can I use turmeric instead of saffron?
It will give color but not the same aroma. Saffron is what makes the dish.
How long does it keep?
Covered in the fridge, about 4 days.