Sheer Yakh - Creamy Afghan Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (946ml) whole milk 4 cups (946ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 tablespoon rosewater 1 tablespoon rosewater
• 1/4 cup (30g) crushed pistachios, for garnish 1/4 cup (30g) crushed pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 30g
• Protein: 9g
• 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, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, ground cardamom, and saffron threads.
3. 3.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice pudding, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens.
5. 5.
   Stir in the rosewater and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the Sheer Yakh cool to room temperature.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, transfer the rice pudding to serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
8. 8.
   Before serving, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Saffron threads — Soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes before adding them to the pudding to enhance their flavor and color.
• Crushed pistachios — Toast the pistachios lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to intensify their nutty flavor before crushing them.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
• To enhance the aroma, crush the cardamom seeds instead of using pre-ground cardamom.
• Serve Sheer Yakh chilled for the best flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as slivered almonds or dried rose petals for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve Sheer Yakh in individual bowls, allowing each person to enjoy their own portion. Consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for an extra touch of sweetness and aroma.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, garnish each bowl of Sheer Yakh with a few strands of saffron on top of the crushed pistachios. This adds a vibrant pop of color and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.