Extra boiling water (to be added later) 2 and 1/3 Cups
Ground cinnamon
Dried rose petals and fresh rose buds
Slivered or chopped unsalted pistachio nuts, almonds
Preparation
Pick through the rice, add it to a bowl and wash in cold water. Drain and wash couple of more times each time with fresh cold water. Drain all the water.
Add rice and boiling water to a deep nonstick 3-Qt saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to just above the low marking. Simmer with a low boil without covering the pan.
Don’t not stir for 1 hour 15 minutes. Most of the water will be cooked off and the rice should be completely tender. To test the rice, very gently squeeze one grain between thumb and index finger; it should fall apart with a sticky texture.
Add 2 and 1/3 cups boiling water, 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup rosewater, and 1/4 tsp saffron. Increase the heat to medium low and bring it to a boil. Continue cooking on medium low for 5 more minutes, or until Sholeh Zard thickens. Use a wooden spoon to stir several times so the Sholeh Zard does not stick to the bottom or sides of the pan. Remove from the heat.
Pour into deep volume plate and cool in room temperature.
Garnish with ground cinnamon, slivered pistachios or almonds, and a few dried rose petals before serving and Enjoy!!
