Sholeh Zard

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== Description ==
This is a saffron rice pudding dessert recipe from Iran. I have not tried it but posted it by request. You need to allow a few hours for the rice to soak. 
== Ingredients ==
=== Pre-soak ===
* ¼ cup salt 
* water 
=== Pudding ===
* 2 quarts water 
* 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice 
* 2 cups sugar 
* 8 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces 
* 1½ teaspoons saffron threads, crushed and dissolved in 1 tablespoon water 
* 6 tablespoons almonds, slivered and blanched 
* 4 tablespoons unsalted pistachios, slivered or finely chopped 
* ½ cup bottled rose water 
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
* 8 whole blanched almonds 
== Directions ==
# Start a few hours ahead of time by preparing the rice by picking out any dark or discoloured grains and then washing in a colander until the water runs clear. 
# Place the rice in a large bowl or pot with the salt and enough cold water to cover by an inch and soak for about 2 hours. 
# Drain the rice, then bring the 2 quarts water to a boil over a high heat. 
# Stirring constantly, pour the rice in a slow thin stream. 
# Turn the heat down very low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. 
# Stir in the Sugar, then add the butter and saffron mixture and continue stirring until the Sugar dissolves, the butter has melted and the rice is bright yellow. 
# Stir in the slivered almonds and 1 tbsp of the pistachios and, stirring frequently, cook for 30 minutes longer or until the mixture can hold its shape almost solidly in the spoon. 
# Stir in the rose water and ladle the mixture into a large, heatproof serving bowl. 
# Spread it out with a spatula and sprinkle the top with two thin crossing lines of cinnamon to divide it into quarters. 
# Sprinkle each quarter with the remaining 3 tbsp of pistachios and decorate with whole almonds. 
# Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the pudding is chilled and firm. 
# Serve directly from the bowl.
Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Persian Vegetarian
Category:Pistachio Recipes
Category:Pudding Recipes
Category:Recipes that need photos
Category:Rose water Recipes
Category:Saffron Recipes
Category:White rice Recipes