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Zarda Rice (Sweet Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice with Nuts and Raisins) Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Zarda Rice is a traditional South Asian sweet rice dish featuring fragrant basmati rice cooked with aromatic cardamom and clove, sweetened with sugar syrup, and enriched with ghee, nuts, and raisins. The rice is gently steamed on 'dum' (low heat) to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in a delicately sweet, colorful, and nutty dessert rice perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • Few drops of yellow food color (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 4 cardamoms
  • 1 clove lavang
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup assorted nuts (such as slivered pistachios, roughly chopped almonds, and roughly chopped cashew nuts)
  • More nuts and raisins for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil Water and Parboil Rice: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked basmati rice along with a few drops of yellow food color if using. Cook until the rice is about three-quarters cooked (parboiled).
  2. Drain Rice: Immediately strain the parboiled rice using a colander and set it aside to prevent further cooking.
  3. Prepare Sugar Syrup Base: In the same pot, after draining the water, add 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add 4 cardamoms and 1 clove lavang to the hot ghee and roast them for about a minute until fragrant to release their aroma.
  4. Dissolve Sugar: Add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water to the pot and stir gently over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a fragrant syrup.
  5. Combine Rice with Syrup: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the parboiled rice back into the pot. Mix thoroughly to coat the rice evenly with the sugar syrup.
  6. Add Raisins and Cover: Stir in 1/4 cup raisins, mix well, and cover the pot for a few minutes to let the raisins plump.
  7. Add Nuts: Remove the lid and add 1/2 cup assorted nuts (pistachios, almonds, cashews). Mix them thoroughly with the rice.
  8. Cook on Dum (Steaming): Reduce the stove heat to low. Place a flat tawa (griddle) under the pot to distribute heat evenly. Cover the pot tightly to trap the steam and let the rice cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This slow-steaming method ensures the sugar is fully absorbed and the rice finishes cooking to softness.
  9. Final Touch and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently and serve it in a bowl topped with additional crushed nuts and raisins for garnish, if desired.

Notes

  • Soaking the basmati rice for 30 minutes helps achieve a fluffy texture.
  • The yellow food color is optional but gives the classic vibrant look to Zarda Rice.
  • Using a flat tawa under the pot during the ‘dum’ process prevents direct heat scorching.
  • The slow steaming (dum) is critical to absorb the sugar syrup fully and soften the rice perfectly.
  • You can vary the nuts according to preference; commonly used are pistachios, almonds, and cashews.
  • Zarda Rice is traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions and can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: South Asian

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/zarda-rice-sweet-saffron-infused-basmati-rice-with-nuts-and-raisins-recipe/