Imagine a dessert so luxurious and comforting that it could melt away your stress with just one spoonful. Persian Shir Berenj is not just a rice pudding; it's a culinary journey through the rich, aromatic traditions of Iran. This creamy, fragrant dessert is a perfect blend of simple ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary treat that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Persian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- Pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain the rice and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the rice and milk mixture. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Continue to cook the rice pudding on low heat for about 25-30 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure the rice cooks evenly and does not stick to the pan. The pudding should thicken and the rice should become tender.
- After 25-30 minutes, when the rice is fully cooked and the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of rose water and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom for added flavor. Mix well to incorporate the spices evenly.
- Allow the rice pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- To serve, ladle the rice pudding into individual bowls or dessert cups. Garnish each serving with chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
- Enjoy your delicious Persian rice pudding, Shir Berenj, as a comforting dessert or a sweet treat at any time of the day!
Tips
- Rice Preparation is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. This ensures a smoother, less sticky pudding texture.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Cook the rice pudding on low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
- Flavor Boosters: Don't skip the rose water and cardamom - these ingredients are what transform this from a simple dessert to an extraordinary experience.
- Garnish Game: Chopped pistachios not only add a beautiful visual appeal but also provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy pudding.
- Serving Flexibility: This dessert is delicious both warm and chilled, so feel free to experiment with temperature based on your preference.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store the Shir Berenj in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
