Sweet rice, also known as Zarda or Meetha Chawal, is a delectable dessert that is cherished in many cultures around the world. This fragrant and sweet rice dish is made with aromatic spices, nuts, and dried fruits, creating a delightful balance of flavors. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering sweet rice, perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to indulge in.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1 and 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios), chopped
- 1/4 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots), chopped
- A pinch of salt
Source: www.willflyforfood.net
Instructions:
- Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring 1 and 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water. Cook the rice on medium heat until it is 70-80% cooked. It should still have a slight bite to it. Drain the rice and set it aside.
- In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped nuts and dried fruits to the pan and sauté them until they turn slightly golden and aromatic. Remove a handful of nuts and dried fruits from the pan and set them aside for garnishing later.
- To the remaining nuts and dried fruits in the pan, add the cooked rice and gently mix them together.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk. Add the saffron milk, sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt to the rice mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the sweet rice to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- After 10-15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the sweet rice sit covered for another 5 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become fluffy.
- Fluff the sweet rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved sautéed nuts and dried fruits.
- Serve the sweet rice warm as a delightful dessert or as a celebratory treat for special occasions.
Sweet rice is a heavenly dessert that captivates the senses with its aromatic flavors and delightful sweetness. This recipe allows you to create a decadent and flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple indulgence, sweet rice is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this delightful dessert and savor every spoonful of its rich flavors.