Sholeh Zard

What is it?

Rice is cooked down with sugar, saffron and rosewater until it is thick and set, then poured into shallow dishes to cool.

The surface is decorated with cinnamon, slivered almond and pistachio — often in patterns drawn with the cinnamon.

The Persian table

Sholeh zard is closely tied to vows and votive offerings, and is often made in quantity to be given away rather than served at home.