Zarda Rice

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• A pinch of saffron, ground and soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 3 tablespoons slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 packs Royal® Microwaveable White Basmati Rice
• 2 teaspoons rose water
• Yellow food coloring (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat ghee in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and fry until the spices become aromatic, about 1 minute.
2. Add the nuts, raisins, and powdered cardamom. Fry again until the nuts begin to toast, about a few minutes.
3. Add sugar, water, and saffron water, and stir until the sugar melts.
4. Add the rice and stir to combine.
5. Add rose water and continue to cook until the rice is coated and begins to absorb the sugar mixture.
6. Remove aromatic whole spices (cloves, bay leaf, and cardamom pods) if desired before serving.
7. Add yellow food coloring, if desired, to enhance the color of the rice.

Serve hot and enjoy this aromatic, flavorful dish for any festive occasion.

(Authentic Royal)