Zarda ( Sweet Rice )

Zarda is a traditional sweet rice dish. The word "zarda" comes from the Persian word "zard," meaning yellow, which refers to the dish's vibrant yellow color. 

Serving: 4-6

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes )
• 4-5 cups water
• 3-4 green cardamoms
• 2-3 cloves
• half tablespoon yellow food color
• 1 1/4 cups sugar (adjust to taste )
• half cup water
• 2-3 tablespoon ghee 
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 chopped pistachios
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoon kewra water or rose water
• A few drops of yellow food coloring (if more color is desired )
• khoya (optional but gives a rich touch, about 1/2 cup )

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil with green cardamoms, cloves, and yellow food coloring. Add the soaked basmati rice and boil until about 80-90% cooked (grains should still have a bite ). Drain and set aside. 

Step 2:

In a pan, add sugar and water. Heat until sugar dissolves and a light syrup forms (no thread consistency needed ). Add kewra water or rose water and a drop of yellow color if desired. Set aside.

Step 3:

In another deep pan (or the one you'll use for final cooking ), heat ghee. Add almonds, pistachios, raisins, and coconut. Lightly fry until golden and fragrant. Remove half the fried dry fruits to garnish later. 

Step 4:

In the same pan with the remaining dry fruits, layer the boiled rice. Pour the sugar syrup over evenly. Add khoya (if using ), ashrafiyan, and remaining dry fruits on top. Cover with a tight-fitting lid or seal with dough (optional) and let it steam (dum) on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Gently mix before serving so the rice doesn't break. Serve warm, garnished with reserved nuts.