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Zarda Rice

Ingredients:

1. 1 Cup of Uncooked Basmati Rice
2. 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala (also available in Indian Groceries)
3. 2 Tablespoon of oil
4. 2 Tablespoons of Ghee (You can use the store bought Ghee too)
5. 1/2 Cup Orange Juice (freshly Squeezed or Store Bought)
6. 1 Tablespoon of Orange zest
7. 1/2 Cup White Sugar (adjust this to how much sweet you want it to be)
8. 1/2 Teaspoon Saffron
9. 2 Cloves
10. 1″ Stick of Cinnamon
11. 1/2 Teaspoon Cardamom Powder
12. 1/4 Cup Raisins
13. 1/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
14. A Pinch of Orange or Yellow Food Color
15. Toasted almonds for Garnish (Optional)

Note: You can use walnuts, pistachios, or any dry fruits in this

Preparation:

Wash thoroughly & Soak the Rice in cold water for 1/2 hour.

In a pan, mix Ghee, Orange Juice, Orange zest, Sugar, Saffron, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom Powder, Raisins, Almonds & Food Color & boil till it reduces to about half the amount. Set aside.

Boil 2.5 cups of water, rice, oil and the Garam Masala.(The oil prevents the rice from sticking together). When the Rice is long, but still a little stiff enough to be broken, (about half cooked- you will see the grains long with lines in the middle). Drain off the water and spread it out to cool.

Mix & toss the cooked rice with the Orange Syrup very gently & cook at the lowest heat for about 10 minutes or till the rice is almost cooked & the liquid is all gone. Switch off the heat and keep it covered for another 10 minutes. Do not overcook the rice. The last part of cooking should be done when the heat is switched off & it stays covered. This way the rice stays distinctly separate.

Garnish. Serve Warm as a dessert.