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Zarda Sweet Rice (Meethe Chawal)

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!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 5
Calories: 339 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian , Pakistani

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)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat milk in a microwave for 20 seconds or on stovetop till warm. Soak saffron in it. 
Instant Pot Recipe
    Cup of Yum
  1. 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. 
  2. Add the remaining ghee to the pot, add cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Saute  for 30 seconds as their aroma releases. 
  3. Add the rinsed rice and toast gently for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
  4. Add sugar, saffron milk, and water. Press Cancel and close the lid with the vent in the sealing position. 
  5. 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)
  6. 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. 
  7. Zarda Rice is ready. Enjoy warm! 
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Recipe
  1. 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
  1. 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. 
  2. Add the remaining ghee in the pan, add cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Saute  for 30 seconds so tha their aroma releases. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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

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

% 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.