Turkish Zerde Dessert with Saffron and Pine Nuts

Name: Turkish Zerde Dessert with Saffron and Pine Nuts
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup white rice; 6 cups water; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads; 1 tablespoon orange blossom water; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup golden raisins; 2 tablespoons dried apricots

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

1 cup white rice

rinsed

6 cups water

1 cup sugar

For the Flavor

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

soaked in 1/4 cup warm water

1 tablespoon orange blossom water

For the Garnish

1/4 cup pine nuts

lightly toasted

1/4 cup golden raisins

soaked in warm water

2 tablespoons dried apricots

diced

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.

Heat Guide: Simmer rice on medium heat, infuse on low heat.

Plating & Serving