Iranian Saffron Rice Pudding Sholeh Zard Dairy Free Glu

Indulge your senses with Iranian Saffron Rice Pudding, or Sholeh Zard, a luscious and aromatic dessert that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free. This traditional Persian treat is crafted from tender basmati rice, infused with the rich golden hue of saffron, and delicately flavored with rose water and cardamom. Slivered almonds add a subtle crunch, while garnishes of cinnamon and ground pistachios provide a stunning finish. The slow-simmered cooking technique ensures a creamy, pudding-like texture that melts wonderfully on the palate. Perfect as a light, elegant dessert for gatherings or a decadent treat for yourself, Sholeh Zard offers a beautiful balance of sweet and floral notes. Serve this vibrant, nutrient-packed dessert chilled or at room temperature for a show-stopping finale to any meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 8 cups Water
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup Rose water
• 0.25 teaspoon Saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons Hot water (for saffron)
• 0.33 cup Slivered almonds
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 0 to taste Cinnamon (for garnish)
• 0 to taste Ground pistachios (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture has thickened.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, grind the saffron threads into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Dissolve the powdered saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water and set aside.

Step 4

Once the rice is fully cooked and soft, add the sugar to the pot. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 5

Add the saffron water, rose water, ground cardamom, and slivered almonds to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring often to prevent the pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding achieves a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls or a large dish.

Step 8

Allow the Sholeh Zard to cool completely to set. Garnish with cinnamon and ground pistachios before serving.

Step 9

Serve at room temperature or chilled and enjoy this fragrant dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2586.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1800.6

Total Fat 35.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 60.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 369.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.2g	0%
Total Sugars 303.7g
Protein 22.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 264.7mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 700.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.1%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 78.2%