Sholeh Zard

Description
This is a saffron rice pudding dessert recipe from Iran. I have not tried it but posted it by request. You need to allow a few hours for the rice to soak.

Pre-soak

 * ¼ cup salt
 * water

Pudding

 * 2 quarts water
 * 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
 * 2 cups sugar
 * 8 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
 * 1½ teaspoons saffron threads, crushed and dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
 * 6 tablespoons almonds, slivered and blanched
 * 4 tablespoons unsalted pistachios, slivered or finely chopped
 * ½ cup bottled rose water
 * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 * 8 whole blanched almonds

Directions

 * 1) Start a few hours ahead of time by preparing the rice by picking out any dark or discoloured grains and then washing in a colander until the water runs clear.
 * 2) Place the rice in a large bowl or pot with the salt and enough cold water to cover by an inch and soak for about 2 hours.
 * 3) Drain the rice, then bring the 2 quarts water to a boil over a high heat.
 * 4) Stirring constantly, pour the rice in a slow thin stream.
 * 5) Turn the heat down very low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
 * 6) Stir in the Sugar, then add the butter and saffron mixture and continue stirring until the Sugar dissolves, the butter has melted and the rice is bright yellow.
 * 7) Stir in the slivered almonds and 1 tbsp of the pistachios and, stirring frequently, cook for 30 minutes longer or until the mixture can hold its shape almost solidly in the spoon.
 * 8) Stir in the rose water and ladle the mixture into a large, heatproof serving bowl.
 * 9) Spread it out with a spatula and sprinkle the top with two thin crossing lines of cinnamon to divide it into quarters.
 * 10) Sprinkle each quarter with the remaining 3 tbsp of pistachios and decorate with whole almonds.
 * 11) Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the pudding is chilled and firm.
 * 12) Serve directly from the bowl.