Turkish Zerde Dessert with Saffron and Pine Nuts
Delightful Turkish Rice Pudding
Zerde is a traditional Turkish dessert made from rice, flavored with saffron and sweetened with sugar, often adorned with pine nuts and dried fruits.
- 1 h 30 min
- 6
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Base
For the Flavor
For the Garnish
Preparation
Preparing the Rice Base
Rinse Rice
Rinse the rice thoroughly until water runs clear.
Boil Rice
In a large pot, combine the rice with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Simmer Rice
Reduce heat and simmer until the rice is fully cooked, about 20-25 min.
Infusing the Flavor
Add Sugar
Add the sugar to the cooked rice and stir until dissolved.
Stir in Flavors
Stir in the soaked saffron and orange blossom water. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 min.
Thicken Mixture
Allow the flavors to meld as the liquid slightly thickens.
Cooking Process
Simmering the Rice
Cook rice until fully softened.
Incorporating the Flavors
Stir in saffron and orange blossom water.
Final Adjustment
Maintain low heat until desired consistency is reached.
Plating & Serving
Turkish Zerde Dessert with Saffron and Pine Nuts
Turkish Zerde Dessert with Saffron and Pine Nuts
Serve and Garnish
Serve the Zerde in individual bowls, garnishing with pine nuts, raisins, and apricots for a visually appealing touch.