Sholezard
A traditional Persian golden rice pudding, where saffron, rose water, cardamom and almonds come together to create a delicate, festive aroma.
Ingredients
- white rice250 g
- water1800 ml
- sugar400 g
- salt1 g
- saffron0.5 g
- cardamom3 pcs
- butter60 g
- almond50 g
- rose water60 ml
- ground cinnamon0.5 tsp
Instructions
Rinse 250 g white rice until the water runs clear, cover with 300 ml cold water and let soak for 2 hours; then drain.
Measure out the remaining water so that 1800 ml is used in total: bring 1500 ml to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot, add the rice and cook uncovered over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 400 g sugar, 250 ml water and 1 g salt; stir and cook for another 20 minutes, until the rice is fully tender and the mixture has thickened.
Grind 0.5 g saffron, pour over 50 ml hot water, let steep for 5 minutes, then stir the infusion into the rice along with 3 cardamom pods and 60 g butter; cook over the lowest heat for 15 minutes.
Add 50 g almonds and 60 ml rose water, stir and warm through for another 5 minutes; remove the cardamom pods.
Spoon the sholezard into individual serving bowls, let cool for 10 minutes, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Before serving, garnish the pudding with 0.5 tsp cinnamon, sprinkling it in thin lines over the surface.
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