Zarda Recipe/Sweet Rice

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits and nuts (almonds, cashews, raisins)
• 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon orange food color (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice:

   • Wash the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.

2. Parboil the Rice:

   • In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add a pinch of salt and the soaked rice to the boiling water.
   • Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done. It should still have a slight bite to it. Drain the water and set the rice aside.

3. Prepare the Syrup:

   • In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
   • Add crushed cardamom pods and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
   • Add 1/2 cup milk and then, Add sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup.

4. Add Color and Saffron:

   • Add the food color (if using) to the syrup. Stir well.
   • Add the saffron strands soaked in warm milk. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.

5. Combine Rice and Syrup:

   • Add the partially cooked rice to the syrup mixture.
   • Mix gently to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the syrup.

6. Cooking on Low Heat:

   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors and fully cook.

7. Add Nuts and Dried Fruits:

   • In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed nuts and dried fruits to the rice. Mix gently.

8. Serve:

   • Once the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are well absorbed, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
   • Transfer the Zarda to a serving dish and garnish with additional nuts and dried fruits if desired.