Sholeh Zard

Sholeh Zard Recipe: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Persia

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sholeh Zard is a traditional Persian saffron rice pudding that is sweet, fragrant, and delicious. This dessert is often served during special occasions and celebrations in Iran.

History

Sholeh Zard has been a popular dessert in Iran for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Persian cuisine. The dish is traditionally made with rice, sugar, butter, saffron, rose water, and nuts, creating a rich and flavorful pudding that is loved by many.

Ingredients

Pre-soak

0.25 cup salt
water

Pudding

2 qt (1.89 liter) water
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cup sugar
8 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
1.5 tsp saffron threads, crushed and dissolved in 1 tbsp water
6 tbsp almonds, slivered and blanched
4 tbsp unsalted pistachios, slivered or finely chopped
0.5 cup bottled rose water
1 tsp ground cinnamon
8 whole blanched almonds

How to prepare

Start by preparing the rice a few hours ahead of time. Pick out any dark or discolored grains and wash them in a colander until the water runs clear.
Place the rice in a large bowl or pot with the salt and enough cold water to cover it by an inch. Let it soak for about 2 hours.
Drain the rice, then bring 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water to a boil over high heat.
While stirring constantly, pour the rice into the boiling water in a slow, thin stream.
Reduce the heat to very low and simmer the rice uncovered for 30 minutes.
Stir in the sugar, then add the butter and saffron mixture. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves, the butter melts, and the rice turns bright yellow.
Stir in the slivered almonds and 1 tbsp of the pistachios. Cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 30 minutes or until the mixture can hold its shape almost solidly in a spoon.
Stir in the rose water and ladle the mixture into a large, heatproof serving bowl.
Spread the mixture out with a spatula and sprinkle the top with two thin crossing lines of cinnamon to divide it into quarters.
Sprinkle each quarter with the remaining 3 tbsp of pistachios and decorate with whole almonds.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the pudding is chilled and firm.
Serve directly from the bowl.

Variations

Add a pinch of ground cardamom for a fragrant twist.
Substitute the almonds and pistachios with other nuts like walnuts or cashews.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a dairy-free version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the rice in salted water for a few hours before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.

- Stir the pudding constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

- Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set and firm up.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sholeh Zard chilled, garnished with additional slivered almonds and pistachios for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice pudding on low heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and does not burn.

- Stir the pudding constantly to prevent lumps from forming and to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

- Use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Sholeh Zard can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sholeh Zard in individual dessert bowls garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few whole almonds for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sholeh Zard pairs well with a hot cup of Persian tea or coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sholeh Zard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sholeh Zard contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sholeh Zard contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sholeh Zard contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sholeh Zard contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sholeh Zard is a good source of vitamin E, manganese, and copper.

Alergens

Sholeh Zard contains nuts (almonds and pistachios) and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sholeh Zard is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also contains essential nutrients like vitamin E and minerals like manganese and copper.

Summary

Sholeh Zard is a classic Persian dessert that is sweet, fragrant, and delicious. With its rich and creamy texture, this saffron rice pudding is sure to be a hit at any special occasion or celebration.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sholeh Zard. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned home from a trip to the market where I had picked up some saffron, a spice I had never used before. As I sifted through my collection of recipes, I stumbled upon a worn piece of paper tucked away in the back of my recipe box. The title read "Sholeh Zard - Persian Saffron Rice Pudding," and I was instantly intrigued.

I had always been drawn to exotic flavors and new culinary experiences, so I decided to give the recipe a try. Little did I know that this simple act would lead me on a journey of discovery and connection that would shape my love for cooking in ways I could never have imagined.

The recipe itself was fairly straightforward, calling for ingredients like rice, sugar, cardamom, and of course, the star of the show - saffron. As I read through the instructions, I could almost smell the fragrant aroma of the spices and envision the vibrant yellow hue of the finished dish.

I set to work preparing the Sholeh Zard, carefully measuring out each ingredient and following the steps with precision. As the rice simmered and absorbed the flavors of the saffron and cardamom, my kitchen was filled with a warm, comforting scent that reminded me of home.

As I stirred the pudding and watched it thicken to a creamy consistency, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood and the memories of my own grandmother in the kitchen. She had been the one to instill in me a love for cooking and a curiosity for trying new dishes from different cultures.

I had always been fascinated by the stories behind recipes - the traditions, the history, the people who shared them. And as I tasted the first spoonful of the Sholeh Zard, I felt a connection to a world far beyond my own.

Over the years, I continued to make the Persian saffron rice pudding, experimenting with different variations and adding my own personal touch to the recipe. Each time I prepared it, I felt a sense of pride and joy in sharing a taste of my culinary journey with those around me.

As I shared the Sholeh Zard with friends and family, I found that it had a magical way of bringing people together. It became a symbol of celebration and togetherness, a dish that transcended language and cultural barriers to create moments of joy and connection.

And so, as I look back on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Sholeh Zard, I am filled with gratitude for the journey it has taken me on and the memories it has helped me create. Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me - it has been a way to connect with others, to share stories and traditions, and to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that make up our world.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, don't be afraid to try something new, to explore a different cuisine, or to create your own culinary masterpiece. You never know where it might lead you or what connections it might help you forge. And who knows, you just might discover your own version of Sholeh Zard along the way.