Shakarshee Delight

Recipe

Shakarshee Delight

Saffron-infused Sweet Rice Pudding with Rosewater and Pistachios

Indulge in the rich flavors of Iranian cuisine with this delightful dessert, Shakarshee. This traditional Iranian sweet rice pudding is infused with saffron, scented with rosewater, and garnished with pistachios, creating a harmonious blend of aromatic and nutty flavors.

Jan Dec

15 minutes

40 minutes

2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)

4 servings

Easy

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Halal, Nut-free, Egg-free

Milk

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 40g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2.
    In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. 3.
    Add the rinsed rice to the simmering milk and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened.
  4. 4.
    In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Add the saffron mixture to the rice pudding and stir well.
  5. 5.
    Stir in the sugar and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved completely.
  6. 6.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rosewater.
  7. 7.
    Transfer the pudding to individual serving bowls or a large serving dish. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
  8. 8.
    Before serving, garnish with crushed pistachios.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking to ensure fluffy and separate grains.
  • Saffron threads — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron, crush the threads slightly before dissolving them in hot water.
  • Pistachios — Use unsalted and shelled pistachios for the best flavor. Crush them coarsely for a satisfying crunch in the pudding.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
  • To enhance the visual appeal, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of the pudding before garnishing with pistachios.
  • Serve Shakarshee chilled for the best taste and texture.
  • Leftover Shakarshee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Shakarshee in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Garnish each portion with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture and visual appeal. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Shakarshee, consider serving it in elegant glass dessert bowls or small ceramic dishes. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of the pudding before adding the crushed pistachios for a touch of warmth and visual contrast.