Konya’s Golden Dessert: Zerde

Zerde is one of the most distinctive desserts of Konya cuisine, often served during special gatherings such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and community feasts. With its vibrant yellow color and light, refreshing taste, zerde holds a special place on celebratory tables in the region.

Zerde is a sweet rice pudding made without milk. Its most striking feature is its color—usually a bright yellow—which comes from saffron or turmeric. Unlike milk-based puddings, zerde has a clearer, syrup-like consistency, and the rice grains remain firm and separate. It is typically flavored with rosewater and sometimes enriched with dried fruits like currants or nuts such as pine nuts or almonds.

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Saffron or turmeric (for color)
• Rosewater
• Currants (optional)
• Pine nuts or almonds (for garnish)

Recipe:

The rice is first boiled in water until cooked but not mushy. Meanwhile, saffron is dissolved in warm water and mixed with sugar to form a syrup. This syrup is then added to the rice and simmered together. Toward the end of the cooking process, rosewater and optional currants are stirred in. The dessert is poured into individual bowls and garnished with nuts. It is served cold, especially during warm weather.