
Zarda Sweet Rice (Meethe Chawal)
User Reviews
4.9
48 reviews
Excellent

Zarda Sweet Rice (Meethe Chawal)
Report
Meethe Chawal, or Zarda Rice, is a sweet, rich saffron rice adorned with nuts and raisins. This aromatic, sweet, saffron-flavored rice is a royal dessert made on special occasions and festivals. This easy recipe can be made with a few ingredients in one pot in less than 30 minutes!
Share:
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice or sella basmati rice, rinsed
- 1/8 teaspoon saffron
- 1/4 cup milk warm
- 2 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil for vegan
- 12 cashews
- 2 tablespoon sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoon raisins
- 2 Green Cardamom (Elaichi)
- 5 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoon desiccated coconut (optional)
Add to Shopping List
Instructions
- Heat milk in a microwave for 20 seconds or on stovetop till warm. Soak saffron in it.
Instant Pot Recipe
- Start the instant pot in Sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon ghee in it. Add cashews, sliced almonds and raisins. Saute for a minute while stirring until they turn golden brown in color. Remove the nuts and raisins in a bowl and set aside.
- Add the remaining ghee to the pot, add cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Saute for 30 seconds as their aroma releases.
- Add the rinsed rice and toast gently for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
- Add sugar, saffron milk, and water. Press Cancel and close the lid with the vent in the sealing position.
- Set the instant pot in pressure cook (manual) mode for 4 minutes at high pressure. When the instant pot beeps, do a 5-minute NPR. This means let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then release the pressure manually. (If using sella basmati rice, pressure cook for 6 minutes)
- Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Now add the toasted cashews, almonds and raisins. Add the desiccated coconut if using. Mix gently.
- Zarda Rice is ready. Enjoy warm!
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Recipe
- Follow the same steps, increase water to 1 1/4 cups and pressure cook for 1-2 whistles. Then let the pressure release naturally.
Stovetop Recipe
- Use a heavy bottom pot and heat 1 tablespoon ghee on medium-high heat. Add cashews, sliced almonds, and raisins. Saute for a minute while stirring until they turn golden brown. Remove the nuts and raisins in a bowl and set aside.
- Add the remaining ghee in the pan, add cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Saute for 30 seconds so tha their aroma releases.
- Add the rinsed rice and toast gently for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add 1.5 cups water, sugar, and saffron milk. Bring to a boil.
- Change the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Stir in between at regular intervals. It will take about 15-20 minutes for the rice to cook and soak the liquids.
- Fluff the rice and add the sautéed golden nuts and raisins. Serve meethe chawal warm!
Notes
- Vegan Variation: Replace ghee with coconut oil and milk with almond or coconut milk.
- Make it yellower: You can use turmeric or natural yellow food coloring if you like to make the rice look more yellow.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
339kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
57g
(19%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
16mg
(5%)
Sodium
12mg
(1%)
Potassium
169mg
(5%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
21g
(42%)
Vitamin A
20IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
0.5mg
(1%)
Calcium
38mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 339 kcal
% Daily Value*
Calories | 339kcal | 17% |
Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
Protein | 4g | 8% |
Fat | 10g | 15% |
Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
Sodium | 12mg | 1% |
Potassium | 169mg | 4% |
Fiber | 1g | 4% |
Sugar | 21g | 42% |
Vitamin A | 20IU | 0% |
Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
48 reviews
Excellent
Other Recipes