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Zarda

Zarda is a sweet, fragrant rice dessert from South Asia, rich with nuts and spices, perfect for celebrations.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Indian, South Asian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 500 g Golden Sella Rice
  • 400 g Sugar Adjust sweetness to taste
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon
  • 4 pods Cardamom
  • 3 pieces Cloves
  • 0.5 tsp Lemon Yellow Food Color Can substitute with saffron soaked in warm milk
  • 0.5 Cup Ghee Use for best flavor; can mix with oil if needed
  • 0.5 Cup Almonds Fried for garnish
  • 0.5 Cup Cashewnuts Fried for garnish
  • 0.5 Cup Dried Coconut Fried for garnish
  • 8-10 pieces Glazed Cherries For decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and soak rice 3-4 times for 2 hours.
  2. Add whole spices and food color to 2.5 liters of water and bring to a boil.
  3. Add rice and cook until it is 90% done, then strain the rice.
  4. Heat ghee in a vessel and fry the nuts and dried coconut for 1-2 minutes until light golden. Remove and set aside.
  5. Layer the rice in a pot, spreading sugar and some of the fried nuts between layers until fully stacked.
  6. Decorate the top with glazed cherries and remaining fried nuts.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on dum for 10-15 minutes on low heat.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with extra fried nuts and glazed cherries. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.