How to make saffron dessertsHow to make saffron desserts Porridge, Rice Pudding, Halva, Kashk and Saffron Rice Cookies

How to make saffron desserts

When preparing dishes with saffron, such as Saffron Rice Porridge (Sholeh Zard), Saffron Rice Pudding, or other saffron-based treats, it’s essential to carefully follow every step to ensure the flavors are balanced and the saffron shines through. Whether you are making sweet or savory dishes, incorporating saffron enhances not only the color but also the rich aroma and benefits of saffron in your cooking.

Making Saffron Porridge (Sholeh Zard)

Ingredients for Saffron Porridge (Sholeh Zard):

  • Soaked Rice: 2 cups (preferably semi-split)
  • Sugar: 4 cups
  • Butter: 50g
  • Saffron: one gram
  • Rosewater: 1 cup
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Almond Slivers: as needed
  • Pistachio Slivers: for garnish
  • Cinnamon: as needed

Steps for Preparing Saffron Porridge (Sholeh Zard):

How to make saffron desserts

  1. Step 1: First, crush the saffron and let it steep to release its full flavor. The key to enjoying the medicinal benefits of saffron lies in using authentic saffron.
  2. Step 2: Fill a pot with water and add rice. Allow the rice to absorb the water.
  3. Step 3: Stir the rice carefully to ensure no excess water is added, as too much liquid will ruin the final texture.
  4. Step 4: Once the rice softens, add sugar and stir continuously for about fifteen minutes.
  5. Step 5: Soak the almond slivers in rosewater to infuse the fragrance before adding them to your pot.
  6. Step 6: Add the steeped saffron to the mixture and stir for a rich, golden color. Add more saffron if you prefer a deeper color.
  7. Step 7: Add butter and a little oil for extra shine and smoothness in your porridge.
  8. Step 8: After ten minutes, turn off the heat, garnish with pistachios, almond slivers, and cinnamon, and serve with creativity.

Extra Tips for Preparing Saffron Porridge:

  • If you’d like a more aromatic saffron porridge, try adding more rosewater near the end of cooking.
  • For a more fragrant dish, try using cardamom by wrapping a few pods in a cheesecloth and placing it into the porridge during cooking.

How to make saffron desserts

Ingredients for Rice Pudding:

  • 1 cup Rice
  • 4 cups Milk
  • 6 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Rosewater
  • 1 tablespoon Saffron Steeped
  • Cardamom Powder: as needed

Preparation for Saffron Rice Pudding:

  1. Start by bringing the rice and water to a boil, then simmer it until the rice is softened.
  2. Add sugar, saffron, milk, and cardamom and allow it to simmer until thickened.
  3. Finish by adding the rosewater just before removing it from the heat.

Making Saffron Halva

Ingredients for Saffron Halva:

  • 2 cups White Flour
  • Saffron: as needed
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 100g Butter
  • Oil: as needed
  • Rosewater: as needed
  • Cardamom Powder: optional

Steps for Saffron Halva:

How to make saffron desserts

  1. Mix saffron in hot water and let it steep.
  2. Boil sugar and water together, then add the saffron mixture to color and flavor it.
  3. Slowly roast the flour in butter until golden, then stir in the saffron syrup.
  4. Add rosewater and cardamom, stirring until smooth.

Note: A perfect saffron recipe always includes saffron-based ingredients to maintain the balance of flavors.