Persian Saffron Rice Pudding (Sholeh Zard)Semolina Cake with Rose Water and PistachiosMorasa Polow (Persian Jewelled Rice)How to Make your Own Slivered Almonds and Pistachios

Step 1

Place your nuts in the bowl and top with hot water. Leave to soak for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Drain the nuts and place on some kitchen paper.

Step 3

Either using just your hands or a dry kitchen paper, slowly squeeze the nuts to remove the skin. Almonds are super easy. As you can see in the video, they will just slide out. Pistachios may need a little help, you may need to peel use your nails to peel the skin off, it depends on the age of the pistachios. But it should still be easy. Discard the skin.

Step 4

Either using your clean nails or a small paring knife, find the middle line on the nuts and split them apart. See video.

Step 5

Using a sharp knife, slice the nut halves into thin strips (slivers).

Step 6

Spread the slivered almonds or slivered pistachios on a plate in a single layer and leave them to dry, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Step 7

Store in an airtight container and use within 3 months. I keep mine in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.