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Persian Saffron Pudding

Exotic yet simple gluten free, dairy free, vegan dessert recipe with saffron, pistachios and orange blossom syrup. Make-ahead dessert.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 484 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pudding Ingredients
  • 3 cups unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 1/4 cups water divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown rice flour
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 12 whole green cardamom pods
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron use a good quality, expensive saffron; Iranian or Spanish is best. The cheap stuff has no flavor!
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
Orange Blossom Syrup Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
  • Shelled pistachios, garnish
  • Black or golden raisins, garnish
  • Saffron threads, optional garnish (same note as above)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To make the pudding: In a small dish, combine the cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pods, saffron and turmeric and cover with 1/4 cup hot water to bloom the spices. 
  2. In a medium saucepan combine coconut milk, water, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and slowly whisk in the rice flour until smooth.
  3. Add the dish of spices and stir until thoroughly combined. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Remove from heat and transfer to a mesh strainer set over a large mixing bowl. Push through with a spoon or spatula to remove any whole spices.Divide pudding evenly between 4-6 dishes and refrigerate to cool before serving.
  5. To make orange blossom syrup: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool. The syrup will thicken upon standing.
  6. To assemble, top the pudding with a few pistachios and raisins, then drizzle with the orange blossom syrup. If you're feeling extra fancy you can also garnish with a few saffron threads.

Notes

  • You will also need: Medium saucepan, small bowl, mesh strainer, large mixing bowl, small saucepan, dessert dishes

Nutrition Information

Calories 484kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 25g (125%) Sodium 314mg (13%) Potassium 395mg (11%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 37g (74%) Vitamin C 3.8mg (4%) Calcium 29mg (3%) Iron 2.8mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 484

% Daily Value*

Calories 484kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Sodium 314mg 13%
Potassium 395mg 8%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 37g 74%
Vitamin C 3.8mg 4%
Calcium 29mg 3%
Iron 2.8mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.