Meethe Chawal Recipe Zarda Pulao

ZARDA RECIPE | MEETHE CHAWAL RECIPE | SWEET RICE

Steps:

• firstly, in a large kadai heat 2 tbsp ghee and roast 8 cashew, 5 almond, 2 tsp raisins and 2 tsp dry coconut.
• roast to golden brown on low flame and keep aside.
• in the remaining ghee add 2 pods cardamom and 4 cloves.
• also add 1 cup water, ¼ tsp saffron and ¼ tsp orange food colour.
• mix well making sure the colour is mixed well.
• further, add 1 cup soaked basmati rice (30 minutes) and mix well.
• cover and cook on medium flame for 10 minutes.
• mix gently, making sure rice is half cooked.
• further add ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp ghee and roasted dry fruits.
• mix gently making sure sugar melts.
• cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
• stir in between to prevent from burning.
• cook until the rice is cooked completely. and do not overcook as rice turns mushy.
• finally, serve meethe chawal / zarda pulao hot garnished with few chopped nuts.

MEETHE CHAWAL RECIPE - ZARDA PULAO

Steps:

• To begin making the Meethe Chawal Recipe (Zarda Pulao), first clean, wash and soak rice in enough water for 15 - 20 minutes.
• Next dry roast the saffron strands in a small pan for few seconds. Turn off the heat. Add milk and stir to combine. Keep aside.
• Now bring 4 cups of water to boil in a large saucepan. Add half a stick of cinnamon and 2 cloves in the boiling water.
• Drain the soaked rice in a colander and add in the boiling water.
• Cook the rice till almost done but not fully cooked through. Once again drain the cooked rice in a metal colander and keep aside.
• Heat ghee in a heavy bottomed pan. Add remaining cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Stir for few seconds to release the aroma of spices.
• Next add the rice along with sugar, saffron, dry fruits, raisins and turmeric. Drizzle a tablespoon or so of water. Stir to evenly combine.
• Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and turn the heat to low.
• Let the rice simmer for 5 - 10 minutes on low heat. Turn off the heat. Do not open the lid immediately. Let the rice absorb the flavors for sometime.
• Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork .
• Serve Meethe Chawal (Zarda Pulao) warm, garnished with sliced pistachio and almonds for a festive dessert or a dessert for a party when you plan a Mughlai Meal.