Sholezard Recipe

Traditional Iranian Sweet Rice & Saffron Pudding

Sholezard is a beloved and traditional Iranian dessert that has a wide following and can be prepared in various ways and with various flavors for any occasion.

Preparing Sholezard requires following certain cooking principles to achieve the perfect color and sweetness. However, it is an easy and enjoyable dish to make.

It is worth noting that this nutritious traditional dish originates from the city of Kerman and is named after Ibrahim Khani, a former ruler of Kerman who ordered it to be prepared during war time.

Join Cookingush to learn the professional cooking method of Sholezard and create a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients to prepare Sholezard

How to prepare delicious Sholezard

1. Preparing the Rice

Begin by washing the rice thoroughly in a bowl, changing the water multiple times.

2. Soaking the Rice

After cleaning, let the rice soak in water that is two knuckles above the surface of the rice. Leave it to soak for a minimum of 4 hours or up to overnight to soften the rice for a fluffy Sholezard.

3. Mixing Almond Slices and Rose Water

Continue preparing the Sholezard by mixing almond slices and rose water in a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes for the almond slices to soften and become fragrant.

4. Cooking the Rice

Drain the soaked rice, and in a pot over medium heat, add enough water to cover the rice and bring to a boil. Add the rice and cook for about 40 minutes, until it becomes glossy.

Note: Remember, the texture of the rice will continue to improve as it cooks.

5. Adding Saffron and Sugar

To add color to the Sholezard, add saffron to the pot with the cooked rice and wait for about 5 minutes for the color to evenly distribute. Then, add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.

Note: Remember to add the saffron before the sugar to achieve the desired color.

6. Adjusting the consistency of Sholezard

When you add sugar to the Sholezard, it can make the texture thinner. It’s important to check the consistency of the ingredients after adding sugar, and if needed, cook it for a bit longer.

7. Adding flavor

As you continue to cook the Sholezard, add a mixture of almond slices, rose water, cardamom extract, and melted butter to the pot and stir the ingredients until you reach the desired consistency. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.

8. Monitoring the consistency of Sholezard

Keep in mind that the texture of Sholezard will harden as it cooks. Be careful to not make it too watery or too hard.

9. Traditional brewing method

To prepare Sholezard in the traditional way, place the lid on the pot and let it infuse under its own heat for 15 minutes without adding any water.

10. Serving Sholezard

Your delicious Sholezard is now ready to be served. It’s best to serve it while still hot. Place it in a suitable container and decorate it with cinnamon and almond slices before eating.

Important tips for cooking Sholezard

• Before adding sugar, be sure not to stir the rice, as this can cause it to sink.
• Gradually add sugar, testing the sweetness of the Sholezard each time, and adjust as necessary.
• It is important to allow the Sholezard to cook with its own heat to prevent water leakage.
• Remember to add saffron before sugar to achieve a yellow color.
• Using one spoon of liquid oil will help prevent the Sholezard from becoming too watery.
• Use salt to balance the sweetness of the Sholezard.

Final Words

Preparing Sholezard in the comfort of your own home will fill your entire space with a delightful aroma thanks to its delicious and nutritious ingredients. This traditional dessert can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main meal. It’s not only tasty, but also nutritious.

Remember, patience is key to achieving the true flavor of this dish. If you have a unique way of making Sholezard, please share it with us and our readers.