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Zarda - Sweet Rice

Falak
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rice (long grain)
  • 6 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ghee/ butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kewra essence
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 teaspoon orange food coloring
  • 1 cup khoya crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Wash the rice a few times until the water runs clear.
  • Fill a wide pot with 6 cups of water and let it come to a boil.
  • Add salt, orange food coloring and rice.
  • Cook until the rice is only ¾ done (not completely done).
  • Drain the rice.
  • In another wide pan over medium heat, add butter/ghee, cardamom powder, sugar and kewra essence.
  • Mix until sugar completely dissolves.
  • Now, add the rice and mix well. Avoid too much stirring or the rice grains will break.
  • Immediately reduce the heat to the LOWEST setting.
  • Spread khoya on the surface of the rice and cover the pan.
  • Leave for 15-20 minutes.
  • Garnish with nuts, gulab jamun pieces or ashrafiyan.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Use any long grain rice because they don't break easily while boiling and mixing.
  2. Do not over boil the rice! It will turn into mush.
  3. Make sure sugar is completely dissolved BEFORE adding the rice.
  4. Leftovers can be easily stored in the fridge and can be reheated.