Zerde

Name: Zerde
Ingredients: 1/2 cup short-grain rice; Tiny pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; Large pinch of saffron threads; 1 tablespoon rose water, or to taste; 2 tablespoons currants or raisins, optional; 2 tablespoons roughly chopped blanched almonds, optional; 2 tablespoons roughly chopped unsalted pistachios, or more to taste

8 ingredients

6 steps

Ingredients

1/2 cup short-grain rice
Tiny pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
Large pinch of saffron threads
1 tablespoon rose water, or to taste
2 tablespoons currants or raisins, optional
2 tablespoons roughly chopped blanched almonds, optional
2 tablespoons roughly chopped unsalted pistachios, or more to taste

Directions

1

Combine the rice and salt with 6 cups water in a medium saucepan with a lid; bring to a boil, then partially cover and adjust the heat so the mixture simmers steadily.
2

Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the sugar and saffron.
3

Uncover and continue to simmer for at least another 30 minutes, or until the mixture is fairly thick.
4

(It will thicken more upon standing, and it should be a little loose when you eat it.)
5

Stir in the rose water and cool; this is good warm, at room temperature, or cold.
6

Just before serving, garnish with the currants or raisins and the almonds if youre using them, plus the pistachios.