Afghan Rice Pudding - Sheer Birinj

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Afghan Rice Pudding, also known as Sheer Birinj or Sheer Berenj. This delightful traditional dessert is a creamy concoction infused with fragrant cardamom, rose water, saffron, and orange blossom. Topped with pistachios and dried rosebuds, it's a perfect treat for cooling down during hot summer days or elevating any dessert table.

Ingredients

🍚 5 cups Arborio Rice, from an OXO container
💧 4 cups Water, for soaking, measured in a Pyrex jug
🥛 1 half-gallon Half & Half, Brand: Ultra-Pasteurized, leaf logo
🍬 1.5 cups Sugar, from a sugar-labeled container
🌿 Ground Cardamom, shaken from a small glass jar
🌹 4 capfuls Rose Water, Brand: Rose Water, roses on the label
🍊 1.5 capfuls Orange Blossom Water, Brand: Orange Blossom Water, blossoms on the label
🌸 Saffron threads dissolved in warm water, from a small glass pitcher
🧂 Pinch of Salt, presumably Himalayan pink salt from a glass shaker
🥜 Pistachios for garnish, Brand: RAW PISTACHIO
🌺 Dried Rosebuds for garnish

Instructions

1- Prepare the Rice:

• Soak 5 cups of Arborio rice in 4 cups of water in a large bowl for several hours or overnight.
• Drain most of the water, keeping a small amount for cooking.

2- Initial Cooking:

• In a Cuisinart stockpot, cook the soaked rice with the remaining water for about 10-15 minutes, until slightly softened.

3- Incorporate Dairy and Spices:

• Add a half-gallon of Half & Half, ground cardamom, rose water, and orange blossom water to the pot.
• Stir continuously over heat until bubbles form, then reduce to a simmer.

4- Sweeten the Mixture:

• As the pudding thickens (about 1 hour), add 1.5 cups of sugar, saffron water, and a pinch of salt.
• Stir until incorporated and the desired creamy consistency is achieved.

5- Finishing Touches:

• Taste and adjust sweetness and flavors as needed.
• Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.

6- Serve:

• Serve chilled, garnished generously with chopped pistachios and dried rosebuds.

Prep Time: Several hours or overnight for soaking
Cook Time: 1 hour and 15-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 12 hours, including refrigeration
Servings: About 8-10 servings
Equipment:

• OXO Rice Container
• Pyrex Liquid Measuring Jug
• Stainless Steel Stockpot, Brand: Cuisinart
• Stirring Spoon, Metal, flat-bottomed
• Various Small Glass Jars for spices and saffron
• Serving Bowl, Brown ceramic with blue rim

Cooking Tips

• Do not rinse the Arborio rice to preserve starchiness for creaminess.
• Continuous stirring is crucial to avoid burning.
• Adjust liquid quantities based on the absorption rate of the rice.

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Afghan Rice Pudding

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking