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shole zard with flower decoration

Authentic Shole Zard Recipe

A traditional Persian saffron rice pudding made with rice, saffron, rose water, cardamom, and almonds. This creamy Shole Zard recipe is rich, fragrant, and perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a comforting homemade dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground saffron bloomed in 2 tablespoons hot water
  • ¼ cup rose water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • Chopped pistachios for garnish
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish
  • Dried rose petals for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1
  2. Rinse the rice well and cook it with the water over medium heat until the grains are very soft and begin to break down.
  3. Step 2
  4. Add the sugar and bloomed saffron. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and continue simmering until the pudding thickens.
  5. Step 3
  6. Mix in the rose water, cardamom, butter, and slivered almonds. Cook for another 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Step 4
  8. Divide the pudding into serving bowls and garnish with cinnamon, chopped pistachios, and dried rose petals.
  9. Step 5
  10. Let the Shole Zard cool completely, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.