Recipe: Sweet Rice Zarda, an Eid essential

[New Gal]

Ingredients

4 cups Basmati Rice (uncooked)

1 tbsp. Raisins (Kishmish)

1 tbsp. Walnuts (Akhrot) (chopped)

1 tbsp. Almonds (Baadaam) (chopped)

2 tsp. Grated Orange Zest

10 Small Cardamom Pods (Choti Ilaichi)

4 cups Sugar

¼ tsp. Orange Food Color

2 tbsp. Vegetable Oil

Method

Pre-soak rice in water for atleast 10 to 15 minutes.

In a large pot combine: water, 5 cardamom pods, and food color; bring to a boil.

Slowly stir in rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender, (about 20 minutes).

In a large skillet over low heat, fry the remaining 5 cardamom pods in oil for about 2 minutes.

Stir in the cooked, drained rice, and sugar.

Cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the raisins, walnuts, almonds and orange zest.