Desserts

Persian Sholezard Saffron Rice Pudding

Jul 1, 2026 · 4 views

A golden Persian rice pudding scented with saffron and rose water, decorated with cinnamon and almonds in beautiful patterns.

التحضير15 د

الطهي40 د

الحصص6

الصعوبةسهل

سعرات280

المقادير

1 cup Egyptian or short-grain rice 6 cups water 1 cup sugar 1 tsp ground saffron, bloomed 1/4 cup rose water 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup slivered almonds Ground cinnamon for decoration

خطوات التحضير

Wash the rice well and cook with water over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to break down (about 30 minutes).
Add the sugar and continue cooking until the rice fully dissolves into a thick, creamy texture (another 15 minutes).
Add the bloomed saffron, rose water, and butter, and stir until evenly golden.
Pour into individual serving dishes and let cool slightly.
Draw geometric patterns on the surface with ground cinnamon using a fingertip or small paper cone.
Garnish with slivered almonds and serve warm or chilled.

نصيحة

Stir constantly in the final stage to prevent sticking to the pot's bottom — a smooth, creamy texture is the true test of a good sholezard.

Sholezard is a traditional Persian pudding often tied to religious occasions and votive offerings («nazr»), prepared in large batches and shared with neighbors and those in need as an act of gratitude. Its name combines «shole» (thick soup/porridge) and «zard» (yellow), referring to its golden color from saffron.

The rice is cooked very slowly with water and sugar until it fully breaks down into a smooth, custard-like texture, and it's traditionally decorated with fingertip-drawn lines of ground cinnamon in geometric patterns.