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Sholezard

This intriguing rice pudding made with water—not milk—called zerde in Turkey and sholezard in Iran, has a delicate flavor and pretty, jellylike appearance.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

2

/3 cup short-grain or round rice

6

cups water

1

cup sugar

1

/4 teaspoon saffron threads or good-quality powder

1

tablespoon cornstarch

3

tablespoons rose water (optional)

2

tablespoons raisins

2

tablespoons slivered or chopped pistachios

2

tablespoons slivered almonds

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Boil the rice in the water for about 30 minutes, then add the sugar.

    Step 2

    Mix the saffron with 1 tablespoon boiling water and stir it in. Dissolve the cornstarch in 3–4 tablespoons cold water and pour into the pan, stirring vigorously. Continue to stir for a few minutes, until the liquid part thickens, then simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add the rose water and stir in the raisins, pistachios, and almonds.

    Step 4

    Let it cool a little, then pour into a glass bowl.

  2. Variations

    Step 5

    Add 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds with the rice from the beginning.

    Step 6

    Serve with a dusting of cinnamon.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.