Sholeh Zard Recipe: Persian Saffron Rice Pudding
Sholeh zard is a fragrant Persian saffron rice pudding, sweetened and scented with rose water, traditionally garnished with a cinnamon design and slivered almonds or pistachios. It’s often made as a nazri (a dish prepared to share with others as a act of charity or gratitude), but it’s also just a beloved everyday dessert.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Sholeh Zard Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, rinsed
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads, ground and bloomed in 3 tbsp hot water
- 3 tbsp rose water
- 4 tbsp butter or oil
- Ground cinnamon and slivered almonds or pistachios, for garnish
How to Make Sholeh Zard
- Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is very soft and starting to break down, about 30-40 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar, bloomed saffron water, and butter. Continue simmering, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, pudding-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the rose water during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spoon into individual bowls and smooth the tops. Let cool to room temperature, then chill.
- Just before serving, garnish with a decorative pattern of ground cinnamon (traditionally a leaf, flower, or geometric design drawn with a toothpick) and a scatter of slivered almonds or pistachios.
Get the Flavor Right
Real saffron and rose water make this dish — imitation versions won’t give the right color, aroma, or flavor. Use genuine saffron (see our saffron buying guide if you’re unsure how to spot real saffron) and true rose water. Garnish with slivered almonds or slivered pistachios.
Tips for the Best Sholeh Zard
- Stir often once the sugar goes in — the pudding can stick and scorch on the bottom of the pot if left unattended.
- Add rose water near the end — its delicate aroma fades if simmered too long.
- Chill before garnishing — the cinnamon pattern holds better on a fully cooled, set surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sholeh zard made of?
Sholeh zard is a rice pudding made from rice, sugar, saffron, and rose water, cooked until thick and smooth, then garnished with cinnamon and slivered almonds or pistachios.
What does “nazri” mean?
Nazri refers to food prepared and shared with others as an act of charity or gratitude, often tied to a vow or wish — sholeh zard is one of the most common dishes made for this purpose.
Is sholeh zard served hot or cold?
It’s traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, not hot.
Why is my sholeh zard too thin or too thick?
Simmer time controls the texture — if it’s too thin, keep simmering and stirring until it thickens further; if it’s too thick, stir in a little hot water to loosen it before it fully cools.
Shop the Ingredients
Get authentic saffron, rose water, and nuts from Goaldees (also searched as Goldis), shipped fresh, nationwide across the US. Shop Spices or Nuts.
