| Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 7g | 3g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 1g | 4g | 0.15g |
Why I Love Iranian Shole Zard
There’s something deeply comforting about the simple yet aromatic Iranian dessert known as Shole Zard. This saffron-infused rice pudding encapsulates both the elegance and richness of Persian cuisine. It reminds me of the Southern desserts I grew up with in Atlanta—warm, inviting, and with a unique flavor profile that demands your attention. Simplicity and luxury coexist in this dish, making every bite a delightful experience.
A Symphony of Flavors and Aromas
Shole Zard incorporates ingredients that resonate deeply with me. The rose water and saffron, in particular, remind me of the delicate balance of flavors found in West African and Southern cuisines. These two ingredients, when combined, create a lush aroma that fills your kitchen with a fragrant warmth. It’s a sensory experience that transports you to a different world, one where food tells a rich, storied history.
A Nostalgic Culinary Journey
While Shole Zard is uniquely Persian, its creamy and sweet characteristics remind me of dishes like Southern rice pudding or Nigerian jollof rice. The slivered almonds add a beautiful crunch, akin to the way we might garnish a classic Southern banana pudding or Nigerian chinchin. When I prepare Shole Zard, I am reminded of the afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where a mix of West African spices and Southern comfort foods always found a delightful harmony.
One of the chefs who has greatly inspired me in this journey is Najmieh Batmanglij (najmiehbatmanglij.com), an authority on Persian cuisine. Her detailed approach to traditional recipes has influenced my own cooking, urging me to honor flavors and techniques while adding my own Afro-Southern twist. Shole Zard can wonderfully complement a variety of dishes—be it as a sweet ending to a spicy Nigerian jollof meal or a Southern fried chicken dinner. Its versatility only adds to its charm, making it a recipe I return to time and again.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup rice
- 7 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup rose water
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Ground cinnamon and crushed pistachios for garnish (optional)
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Method
Step One
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step Two
In a large pot, bring 7 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and cook over medium heat until the rice is soft and the water has reduced, about 30 minutes.
Step Three
Add the sugar to the pot and stir well to dissolve completely. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step Four
Stir in the rose water, slivered almonds, and unsalted butter. Continue to simmer on low heat.
Step Five
Dissolve the ground saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water and add it to the mixture, along with the ground cardamom and salt. Stir well to combine.
Step Six
Continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
Step Seven
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with ground cinnamon and crushed pistachios.
Step Eight
Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy your Shole Zard!
