Authentic Zarda Recipe: A Traditional Pakistani Sweet Rice Dish

Ingredients

2 cups Basmati rice
4 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 teaspoon saffron strands
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/2 teaspoon green cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon yellow food color
1/2 teaspoon rose water
1 tablespoon khoya (milk solid)

Steps and instructions

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water.
Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked, then drain the water and keep the rice aside.
In a pan, heat the ghee. Add the mixed dry fruits and fry until they are golden brown.
Add the grated coconut to the pan and fry for another 2 minutes.
In a separate bowl, soak the saffron strands in the milk.
Add the sugar to the pan and stir until it is fully dissolved. Then, add the saffron milk, cardamom powder, and food color. Mix well.
Lower the heat and add the partially cooked rice to the pan. Mix gently to ensure the rice is fully coated with the sugar mixture.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the flavors.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. Then, add the rose water and khoya and mix gently.
Zarda is ready to be served. Enjoy it hot or cold, as per your preference.

Tools for making

Large pot - for boiling rice
Pan - for frying dry fruits and coconut
Bowl - for soaking saffron strands in milk
Lid - to cover the pan while cooking rice
Spoon - for stirring and mixing ingredients
Knife - for chopping dry fruits (if necessary)
Measuring cups - for accurate measurement of rice, sugar, ghee, etc.

Recipe variations

Replace Basmati rice with Jasmine rice or any other long-grain rice variety.
Add a pinch of cardamom powder or cinnamon powder to the boiling water while cooking the rice for an extra flavor.
Experiment with different types of sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or jaggery instead of sugar.
Add a handful of chopped dried fruits like dates, figs, or apricots along with the mixed dry fruits for added texture and flavor.
Include a handful of roasted nuts like pistachios or walnuts for a crunchy element.
For a vegan version, replace ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Try using coconut milk instead of regular milk for a hint of coconut flavor.
Add a few strands of saffron directly to the boiling water to infuse the rice with a vibrant yellow color.
For a festive touch, garnish the Zarda with edible silver or gold leaf.

Recipe overview

Zarda is a traditional South Asian dessert known for its vibrant yellow color, fragrant aroma, and delightful sweetness. Made with basmati rice, ghee, sugar, and a medley of aromatic spices, Zarda is often served during festivals and special occasions. This recipe guides you step-by-step in creating this dessert, starting from partially cooking the rice to mixing it with a colorful sugar syrup and finally garnishing with dry fruits and khoya. The outcome is a visually appealing, sweet, and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. Serving it hot or cold is a matter of preference. The cooking process is enjoyable and the final product, absolutely worth the effort. Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich culinary tradition of South Asia with this Zarda recipe. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use any other type of rice? No, it is recommended to use basmati rice for this recipe as it provides the best texture and aroma.
Can I use any other type of sweetener instead of sugar? While sugar is traditionally used in zarda, you can experiment with alternatives such as jaggery or honey, keeping in mind that it will alter the taste and color of the dish.
Can I skip the ghee or use a substitute? Ghee adds a rich flavor to the zarda, but you can use melted butter as a substitute if desired.
Do I have to use all the listed dry fruits and nuts? The dry fruits and nuts mentioned in the recipe can be customized based on personal preference. You can choose to omit or add different ones according to your taste.
Can I prepare zarda in advance? Yes, zarda can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving or enjoy it chilled, depending on your preference.
What can I serve zarda with? Zarda is often enjoyed on its own as a sweet dessert. However, it can also be served with a side of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed with a cup of hot tea.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - for boiling the rice
Pan - for frying dry fruits and coconut
Spatula - for stirring and mixing the ingredients
Bowl - for soaking saffron strands in milk
Lid - to cover the pan while cooking the rice

Origin stories

Zarda, a traditional South Asian dessert, has its roots steeped in the rich culinary history of the Indian subcontinent. The name 'Zarda' is derived from the Persian and Urdu word 'zard', meaning yellow, the color that the dish typically carries due to the use of saffron or food coloring. This sweet rice dish was a royal delicacy in the Mughal era, often served to the nobility and guests at lavish banquets. One of the charming tales that swirl around this dessert involves the legendary Mughal emperor Akbar. It is said that once his royal chef accidentally mixed sugar and fruits with rice, instead of meat and spices, resulting in the creation of this sweet delight. Upon tasting it, the emperor was so pleased that he declared it a royal dish. Today, Zarda is a beloved dessert, typically cooked during festivals and celebrations, continuing to sweeten moments of merriment with its golden hues and exquisite flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.