Persian Rice Dessert, Sholeh-Zard

from Parvin Bragg

This is a large recipe. I would consider cutting it in half of fourths.

Basmati rice is a recommended rice to use in this recipe.

3 cups rice (1 1/2 or 3/4 cup) , washed well and rinsed three times. Drain the rice and put in a larger sauce pan. Add 16 cups (8, 4) water and 1/2 (1/4, 1/8) teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, skimming the foam off as it forms. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the rice is soft.

Stir in 6 cups (3, 1 1/20 sugar. Cook for 20 minutes longer, stirring constantly.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 (1/4, 1/8) teaspoon powdered saffron and 4 (2, 1) tablespoons hot water.

After the rice has cooked, add the saffron and
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1/4, 1/8)
4 tablespoons slivered almonds (2, 1)
2 teaspoons ground cardomom (1, 1/2)
1/2 cup rose water (1/4, 1/8)

Cover and simmer 45 minutes stirring constantly (!) until mixture has thickened to a pudding consistency. Pour pudding into a shallow serving dish, or into individual serving dishes.

Garnish with
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground (1/2 t, 1/4 t)
2 tablespoons slivered almonds, optional (1 tablespoon, 1/2 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons pistachios, optional (1 tablespoon, 1/2 tablespoon)

Chill in refrigerator until set, about 2 hours.
Serve cold.