Zarda Rice is a fragrant and colorful sweet rice dish originating from South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Basmati rice is cooked with sugar, ghee, aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and sometimes saffron or food coloring, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dessert or sweet accompaniment to meals. It’s often garnished with nuts and enjoyed during festive occasions for its delightful taste and vibrant presentation.
Here’s a detailed recipe to make Zarda Rice:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4-5 cups water
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- 1/4 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A few cloves
- A pinch of orange food color (optional)
- Rose water or kewra essence (optional) for fragrance
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- Wash Basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the soaked rice and set it aside.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a pot, bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it’s about 70-80% done. It should still have a slight bite to it. Drain the excess water and set the partially cooked rice aside.
- Prepare the Sweet Syrup:
- In another pan or pot, heat ghee over medium heat.
- Add the mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins) and sauté them until they turn golden. Remove them from the ghee and set aside.
- In the same pan with ghee, add green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.
- Add sugar to the spices and ghee. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and forms a syrup. This syrup should have a slightly thick consistency.
- Add Colors and Aromatics:
- Add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk or a pinch of orange food color to the sugar syrup. This step is optional but adds a vibrant color to the rice.
- Optionally, add a few drops of rose water or kewra essence to the syrup for a fragrant aroma.
- Combine Rice with Syrup:
- Gently add the partially cooked rice to the sugar syrup mixture.
- Mix the rice and syrup well, ensuring the rice grains are coated with the syrup evenly.
- Simmer and Steam:
- Lower the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes. This steaming process allows the flavors to blend and the rice to fully cook through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the rice is fully cooked and infused with flavors, garnish it with the sautéed dry fruits.
- Serve Zarda Rice hot as a dessert or a sweet accompaniment to your meal.
Zarda Rice, with its sweet aroma and beautiful colors, is a delightful treat enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations in many cultures. Adjust sweetness and flavors according to your taste preferences.
