Zarda Pulao Recipe Zarnak Sidhwa Masala TV

Zarda Pulao Recipe, Kesar Bhaat, Meethe ChawaI in Pressure Cooker

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Table of Contents

1. What is Zarda Pulao?
2. Ingredients
3. Preparation
4. Serving Suggestions
5. Variations

What is Zarda Pulao?

Zarda Pulao is a popular sweet rice dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is made by cooking basmati rice with ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and various aromatic spices. The dish is known for its vibrant yellow color and the use of ingredients such as saffron, cardamom, and dried fruits. Zarda Pulao is often served during special occasions like weddings, festivals, and celebrations.

Ingredients

To make Zarda Pulao, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• A handful of raisins
• A handful of sliced almonds
• A handful of chopped cashews
• A pinch of yellow food coloring (optional)

Preparation

Follow these steps to prepare Zarda Pulao:

1. Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked rice. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done. Drain the cooked rice and set it aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the drained rice to the pan and mix well with the spices. Cook for a few minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
5. In a small bowl, dissolve saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Add the saffron milk mixture to the rice and stir well.
6. Add sugar to the rice and mix until it is well combined. If desired, add a pinch of yellow food coloring to enhance the color of the rice.
7. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook the rice on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
8. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and add raisins, almonds, and cashews. Sauté until the nuts are golden brown and the raisins are plump.
9. Gently mix the sautéed nuts and raisins into the cooked rice.
10. Remove from heat and let the Zarda Pulao sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Zarda Pulao can be served as a standalone dish or as a part of a larger meal. It is often enjoyed with a side of raita (yogurt dip) or a curry dish. The sweet and aromatic flavors of Zarda Pulao pair well with spicy and savory dishes. You can also garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or edible silver foil for an added touch of elegance.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Zarda Pulao remains the same, there are several variations you can try:

• Fruit Zarda Pulao: Add diced fruits like apples, pears, or pineapple to the rice during the cooking process to create a fruity twist to the dish.
• Nawabi Zarda Pulao: Add khoya (reduced milk solids), rose water, and kewra water to the rice to give it a rich and royal flavor.
• Coconut Zarda Pulao: Replace a portion of water with coconut milk and add desiccated coconut to the rice for a tropical twist.
• Vegetable Zarda Pulao: Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans to the rice for a colorful and nutritious variation.

Conclusion

Zarda Pulao is a delightful sweet rice dish that is loved by people of all ages. Its aromatic flavors and vibrant colors make it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations, Zarda Pulao is sure to impress your taste buds. So, next time you want to indulge in a sweet and aromatic rice dish, give Zarda Pulao a try!