Ingredients:
- 2 cups Haizoom Sella Basmati Rice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ghee or clarified butter
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios), chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands
- A few drops of yellow food color (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the soaked and drained rice along with some salt. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat ghee or clarified butter. Add the mixed nuts and raisins. Sauté until the nuts turn golden and the raisins plump up. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the cooked rice and sprinkle cardamom powder over it. Mix well.
- Add sugar to the pan and mix it gently with the rice. Cook on low heat until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup-like consistency.
- Add saffron strands and yellow food color (if using) to the rice. Mix well to evenly distribute the colors.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are well incorporated.
- Garnish with the sautéed nuts and raisins. Serve hot and energizing Zarda (Sweet) Rice made with Sella Basmati Rice!
