Zarda is a sweet and fragrant rice dessert that is popular in South Asian cuisine, especially during festive occasions. Here's a simple recipe for making zarda:

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup basmati rice
  2. 2 cups water
  3. 1/4 tsp saffron strands
  4. 1/2 cup sugar
  5. 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
  6. 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
  7. 1/4 cup raisins
  8. 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  9. A pinch of food color (optional)


Instructions:

Wash the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.

In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and stir well.

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.

Once the rice is cooked, drain any excess water and set aside.

In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes.

In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.

Add the chopped nuts and raisins to the pan and sauté until the nuts are golden brown and the raisins are plump.

Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well.

Add the sugar, cardamom powder, saffron milk, and a pinch of food color (if using) to the pan and mix well.

Cook the rice over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the rice is fully coated with the sugar mixture.

Turn off the heat and let the zarda cool for a few minutes.

Garnish the zarda with more chopped nuts and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious homemade zarda!