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Zerde — traditional dish from Istanbul, Turkey
Dessert Vegan

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥300kcal
💪3gProtein
🌾69gCarbs
🥑3gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️200 gServing

* Per serving · 200 g. May vary.

Also served in

Cappadocia

Zerde

How to order / say it
Say it Zerde — [ZER-deh]
Order I'd like the zerde, please.
Locally Zerde alabilir miyim lütfen?
Say locally

Sweet saffron rice dessert flavored with rose water.

Why try it?

Zerde is more than a dessert; it's a celebration dish in Turkish culture, representing joy and festivity especially during weddings and special occasions. Its vibrant color and floral aroma make it a unique gastronomic experience.

How it tastes

Zerde is sweet and fragrant, with the distinct floral notes from rose water and the subtle earthiness of saffron creating a delicate dance of flavors that's both exotic and comforting.

Origin & History — first documented: 1400

Dating back to the Ottoman era, Zerde was historically served at palace festivals and large gatherings due to its striking presentation and rich flavor. It became a symbol of significant celebrations throughout Turkey.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 150 g short grain rice
  • 🍯 150 g sugar
  • 🥣 3 tbsp rose water
  • 🧂 1 tsp saffron threads
  • 🥜 50 g pine nuts
  • 500 ml water

Method

  1. 1 Rinse rice and cook with water until tender.
  2. 2 Add saffron dissolved in warm water to the pot.
  3. 3 Stir in sugar and rose water, cook until syrupy.
  4. 4 Garnish with pine nuts before serving.

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All Europe recipes — Turkey — Istanbul — Zerde
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