Saffron sweet rice dish

Zarda Recipe (Pakistani Sweet Rice)

ByZeeshan Ashiq
Jump to recipeRead the FAQ

Zarda is a bright yellow sweet rice made with sugar, saffron or food color, cardamom and nuts. It is served at weddings, Eid and celebrations in Pakistan.

This recipe keeps every grain separate, sweet and fragrant.

Why you will like this version

  • Separate, fluffy grains.
  • Pantry ingredients only.
  • Perfect for Eid and weddings.

What is zarda?

Zarda comes from the Persian word for yellow. The rice is boiled to 75 percent doneness, then layered with sugar syrup, ghee and nuts and steamed on low heat.

Ingredients that matter

  • Basmati rice: soak for 30 minutes.
  • Sugar: adjust to taste; 1 1/4 cups gives the classic zarda sweetness.
  • Saffron or food color: saffron gives a natural yellow and aroma.
  • Nuts and raisins: almonds, pistachios and sultanas add texture.

Tips for perfect zarda

  • Boil the rice until just 70 percent cooked.
  • Steam on the lowest heat with a tight lid.
  • Do not stir hard after adding the sugar.

Zarda Recipe

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can I skip the food color?

Yes. Use saffron soaked in warm milk for a natural color.

How long does zarda keep?

3 days refrigerated. Reheat covered with a splash of milk.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes, use 1 cup sugar.

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