Zarda

Ingredients:

• 🍚 1 cup basmati rice

• 💧 2 cups water

• 🍬 1 cup sugar

• 🧈 1/2 cup ghee or butter

• 🧵 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands

• 🌿 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

• 🥜 1/4 cup mixed dry fruits (raisins, cashews, almonds)

• 🌈 A few drops of yellow food color (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
2. In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain the rice and set aside.
3. In a separate pot, heat ghee or butter. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
4. Add saffron strands, cardamom powder, and dry fruits. Mix well.
5. Add the partially cooked rice to the pot and mix gently with the sugar mixture.
6. Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
7. If desired, dissolve yellow food color in a tablespoon of water and drizzle it over the rice for a vibrant color.