Zarda is an Urdu word which means yellow, zarda rice is a sweet dish usually made on special occasions such as weddings. Rice is boiled with food coloring until 80% tender then mixed with a sugar syrup and steamed until fully cooked through. What makes this even better is the garnish with almonds, pistachios, and khoya. Follow along so I can show you how I make it.
Ingredients for zarda
Rice
For a fool-proof version use sella basmati rice, but I like to use good quality long-grain basmati rice. In my opinion, they taste better than Sella rice but if you are a beginner use Sella rice to make this dish.
Food color
Zarda means yellow but as you can see my rice looks orange rather than yellow because I accidentally bought orange food coloring. You can get food coloring from any desi store conveniently.
Ingredients for sugar syrup
Sugar
Sugar to rice quantity is always 1:1 meaning if you are using 1 cup of rice then you’ll use 1 cup of sugar.
Water/milk
For sugar syrup, the quantity of water is minimum because we only need to dissolve the sugar. I didn’t use any water instead I used half a cup of milk to dissolve the sugar.
Cardamom
I like to add a few cardamom in the sugar syrup for taste and aroma. You don’t need a whole lot but 2-3 cardamom are more than enough. Feel free to not use it if you don’t like the flavor.
Toppings for sweet rice
Dried nuts
Zarda is incomplete without toppings. Traditionally dry sliced coconut, almonds, pistachios, raisins, and different sorts of sweets are used in this recipe. I used only almonds, pistachios, and khoya.
What is Khoya?
Khoya or mawa is dried evaporated milk solids usually made by evaporating the milk while constantly stirring it. For this quick Khoya recipe, mix full-fat dry milk powder with cream and some butter. Put it in the microwave for 1 minute. Mix everything and microwave for another 30 seconds and repeat if needed and khoya is ready.
Why soaking the rice is important?
Soaking the rice for 30 minutes helps the rice grain to plump up after absorbing a little bit of water so it can fluff and cook better.
How to store rice?
I store rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days in a refrigerator or for a couple of weeks in the freezer. Make sure to divide it into small portions for easy reheating.
How to serve zarda or yellow sweet rice
Looking to add a touch of sweetness to your special gatherings? Look no further than Zarda, a delightful traditional yellow sweet rice that is sure to capture the hearts and taste buds of your guests! Not only is this recipe incredibly quick and easy, but it guarantees a smile on everyone’s face. Prepare to be showered with compliments as you serve up this delectable treat at your next dinner soirée.
Zarda or yellow sweet rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice I used basmati rice but you can also use sella
- 1/4 tsp Yellow food color
- Water to boil the rice
For sugar syrup
- 3/4 cups Oil or ghee
- 2-3 cardamom
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
Ingredients for Khoya
- 3/4 cup dry milk powder
- 1 tbsp ghee or melted butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- 10 peeled almonds
- 10 pistachios
- 1 cup khoya
Instructions
Wash and soak the rice
- Take two cups of rice in a bowl, wash the rice 2-3 times stirring gently, then add water and let them soak for 30 minutes.
Boil the rice
- Add about 4 liters of water in a pot, add food coloring, and add soaked rice.
- Cook your rice until they are 80% cooked. Now drain your rice and set it aside
Prepare sugar syrup
- Add oil or ghee, sugar, and half a cup of milk to a pan and cook for 1-1.5 minutes. Only until the sugar dissolves,
- Add your boiled rice and gently mix them.
- Let them cook on high heat until bubbles start forming then lower your heat and cover with foil paper or paper towel.
- Steam them for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare Khoya
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add milk powder, ghee, and heavy cream.
- Mix everything and put it in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Take it out of the microwave, mix it, and heat it for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat the step if needed.
- Garnish your rice with almonds, pistachios, and Khoya.
Video
Nutrition
