Zarda(Sweet Rice With Saffron)
A fragrant saffron-infused rice dish with almonds, pistachios, and raisins, offering a sweet, aromatic treat perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. long grain rice (preferably basmati) ⓘ
- 3 to 4 pods cardamom ⓘ
- 1 1/2-inch piece cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. saffron threads ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sliced blanched almonds ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. raisins ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted pistachios, blanched and sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice partially in a large amount of boiling water.
- Drain the rice in a colander, then spread on a large plate or board to cool.
- Pop the cardamom pods between your fingers but leave them whole.
- Break the cinnamon stick into several pieces.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the cooled rice.
- Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon pieces, milk, and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Stir in the sugar and cook over low heat until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream and saffron threads, allowing the saffron to release its color and flavor.
- Garnish with sliced almonds, raisins, and pistachios before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use aged basmati rice for its aroma and texture. You can substitute sugar with jaggery for a deeper flavor. If saffron is unavailable, a few drops of yellow food coloring can mimic its hue, though the taste will differ. Be careful not to overcook the rice initially; it should be firm as it will continue cooking in the milk mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Zarda is often served as a festive dessert or side dish, pairing wonderfully with Raita Salad(India) or alongside savory dishes like Curried Vegetables With Eggs. Consider serving it at celebrations or family gatherings for a touch of sweetness that complements rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the zarda in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zarda(Sweet Rice With Saffron) contains roughly 1011 calories, with 16g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2003mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make zarda ahead of time?
Yes, zarda can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the dish's overall taste. Just remember to add a little milk while reheating to maintain moisture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or evaporated milk. Both alternatives will still provide a creamy texture, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Choose based on your dietary preferences or taste preferences.
Is zarda suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Zarda is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat or fish. It can be enjoyed as part of a vegetarian meal or dessert, making it a great choice for those following vegetarian recipes. It's rich, flavorful, and suitable for all occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).