Meethe Chawal (Zarda Pulao)
Description
Meethe Chawal (Zarda Pulao) is a traditional Awadhi sweet rice dish often enjoyed as a dessert. Infused with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, it offers a warm, rich flavor, enhanced by the vibrant color and fragrance of saffron, making it perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings.
Cuisine
Awadhi
Course
Main Course
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice (or any long grain rice)
- 2 saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cardamom (elaichi) pods/seeds
- 1-inch cinnamon stick (dalchini)
- 1/4 cup sliced whole almonds (badam)
- 1/4 cup sliced pistachios
- 2 tablespoons sultana raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- Oil (for cooking)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Instructions
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Soak the Rice: Begin by cleaning, washing, and soaking the rice in enough water for 15-20 minutes.
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Prepare Saffron Milk: Dry roast the saffron strands in a small pan for a few seconds, then turn off the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of milk to the saffron, stir, and set aside.
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Boil Water for Rice: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add half a cinnamon stick and 2 cloves to the boiling water.
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Cook the Rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it’s almost done but not fully cooked through. Drain the rice again in a colander and set aside.
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Cook the Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the remaining cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Stir for a few seconds until the aroma of the spices is released.
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Combine Rice and Flavors: Add the drained rice, sugar, saffron milk, dry fruits (almonds, pistachios, raisins), and turmeric to the pan. Drizzle a tablespoon of water and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
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Simmer: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Rest and Fluff: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for a few minutes. Once ready, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
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Serve: Serve the warm Meethe Chawal (Zarda Pulao) garnished with additional sliced pistachios and almonds. This dish makes a delightful dessert for festive occasions or a Mughlai-themed meal.
Enjoy this deliciously fragrant sweet rice as a treat that’s perfect for any celebration!
