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Zarda (Sweet Rice)

Pakistani sweet rice with saffron, cardamom and nuts.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups basmati rice washed and soaked 30 minutes
  • 6 cups water
  • 4 green cardamoms
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup water for the syrup
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
  • 1/4 cup ghee
  • 1/4 cup almonds sliced
  • 1/4 cup pistachios sliced
  • 1/4 cup sultanas
  • 1 pinch yellow or orange food color optional

Method
 

  1. Boil the 6 cups water with the cardamoms. Add the drained rice and boil until 70 percent cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain.
  2. Mix the sugar with 1/2 cup water and heat until dissolved to make a syrup.
  3. Layer half the rice in a pot. Drizzle half the syrup, saffron milk and ghee, and scatter half the nuts and sultanas.
  4. Add the remaining rice and repeat with the syrup, saffron milk, ghee, nuts and sultanas.
  5. Cover with a tight lid and steam on the lowest heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes, then gently fluff and serve.

Notes

Total time includes 30 minutes soaking. Serve warm or at room temperature.