Sholeh Zard Recipe - Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

Sholeh Zard Recipe is essentially a Persian Saffron Rice Pudding that is scented with rose water that lends freshness to pudding and a wee bit of cinnamon adds to the flavour. The rice pudding gets its slight crunch from the addition of almonds and that richness from the saffron strands.

Shaheen Ali
Sholeh Zard Recipe -  Persian Saffron Rice Pudding
2086 ratings.

Sholeh Zard is a Persian Saffron Rice Pudding which the welcome aroma of rose water and cinnamon with the goodness of Almonds and richness of Saffron.

Among the few authentic Persian desserts, Sholeh Zard is the classic one! The name Sholeh Zard literally means 'Wobbly Yellow'. Made with long grain basmati rice, the dessert is undoubtedly a sinful indulgence. Truly aromatic and gives a royal taste to your palate with Sholeh Zard. The color, texture and the aromatic flavor makes it different from any other rice pudding.

Serve the Sholeh Zard Recipe | Persian Saffron Rice Pudding for dessert after weekend dinner of Khoresht Fesenjan Recipe and Modur Pulao.

Here are a few more Middle East recipes to try : 

  1. Healthy Rose Cookies Recipe With Persian Twist
  2. Fattoush With Za'atar, Sumac and Pomegranate Molasses Recipe (Traditional Lebanese Salad)
  3. Irani Chai Recipe
  4. Vegetable Dhansak Recipe (A Classic Parsi Dish)

Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Dessert
Diet: Gluten Free
Equipments Used: Hard Anodised Kadai (Wok)
Prep in

10 M

Cooks in

20 M

Total in

30 M

Makes:

4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup Basmati rice
  • 8 cups Water
  • Salt , to taste
  • 3 cups Icing Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Ghee
  • 1/4 teaspoon Saffron strands
  • 2 tablespoons Water , (or milk)
  • 4 tablespoon Almond Meal (Badam Powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)
  • 1/4 cup Rose water
  • For Garnishing:
  • 4 tablespoons Whole Almonds (Badam) , chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Pistachios , chopped (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini)

How to make Sholeh Zard Recipe - Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

  1. To begin preparing the Sholeh Zard Recipe, wash rice in running water to remove starch and grit out. Repeat 2-3 times till you get clear water. Strain the rice in a rice strainer and keep aside.

  2. In a deep kadai, heat water. Add rice into it and bring it to boil, removing the white froth. 

  3. Now simmer the gas flame, cover the lid and allow the rice to cook for about 15 mins or until soft. 

  4. While the rice is cooking combine saffron and hot milk/water in a small bowl and keep aside.

  5. After the rice is cooked add sugar and stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes.

  6. As soon as the rice turns sticky add saffron, ground almond, cardamom powder, rose water and unsalted butter or ghee.

  7. Combine well. Cover the lid and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture has thickened to a pudding consistency.

  8. Chill the saffron rice pudding in the refrigerator until set for almost 2 hours.

  9. Serve the Sholeh Zard Recipe | Persian Saffron Rice Pudding for dessert after weekend dinner of Khoresht Fesenjan Recipe and Modur Pulao.