How To Make Zarda Sweet Rice

 How To Make Zarda Sweet Rice

Introduction:

Zarda is weet dish famous in South Asia. You can use any food color in rice, people use it as a weet dish particularly in Rural areas. 

Details:

To make a fragrant and vibrant traditional South Asian dessert with basmati rice, spices, nuts, and saffron, Zarda Rice . An easy recipe of delicious, Dish for you in detail mentioned below. I hope it would be enjoyable for you.

 How To Make Zarda Sweet Rice

Ingredients:

Basmati rice- 1.5 cups (soaked 30 mins) 

Water- 3 cups (for boiling rice) 

Sugar- 1 cup (adjust to taste) 

Ghee- 3-4 tbsp 

Whole spices:

Green cardamom pods - 4-5

Cloves - 2-3 

Cinnamon stick - 1 

Mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) - 1/4 cup, sliced (reserve some for garnish) 

Raisins: 2 tbsp 

Saffron strands: 1 pinch (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk) or 1/4 tsp turmeric for color 

Milk: 1/4 cup (optional, for moisture) 

Kewra water or rose water: 1/2 tsp (optional, for fragrance) 

Salt: 1 pinch 

 Instructions:

 1. Prepare the Rice: 

Rinse and soak basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain.   In a pot, boil 3 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Add the soaked rice and cook until70% done (about 5-7 minutes; grains should still be slightly firm in the center). Drain and set aside. 

 2. Infuse Flavor:

In a large pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Add nuts (reserve a few for garnish) and raisins. Sauté until nuts are golden and raisins plump (2-3 minutes). 

 3. Combine Ingredients: 

Add the partially cooked rice to the pan. Gently stir to coat the rice with ghee and spices. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the rice. Pour in the saffron-infused milk (or turmeric) and optional milk/water. Mix lightly. 

 4. Cook on Dum (Steam): 

Cover the pan tightly with a lid. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and absorb the sugar. 

Optional: Drizzle kewra/rose water over the rice in the last 5 minutes. 

 5. Garnish and Serve:

Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with reserved nuts and saffron strands.   Serve warm, ideally with a side of yogurt.  

 Tips: 

For a richer flavor, replace water with milk when cooking rice.  Adjust sugar to your preference; some prefer a sweeter dish (up to 1.5 cups). 

To prevent sticking, place a tawa (griddle) under the pan during the dum phase.