Shahi Zarda/Flavoured Sweet Rice

Soak rice for 30 minutes. Cook until done. Keep it aside. See to it that the grains remain intact and not broken. The rice grains should be soft and yet firm and not mushy.

In a non-stick pot, heat ghee, add the whole masalas and raisins. Saute them for a minute. Add cooked rice and the sugar now. Cover and let it cook until the sugar mix and gives it a shiny gloss.

If using colour, then divide the rice as per the different colours, and then mix all after done. I have used dry food colour for this. You can use natural colours too.

If not using colour, just add a few strands of saffron to a little of milk and stir in. It gives a nice light yellowish orange shade. And it is the actual colour of this delightful dish.

Garnish with lots of dry fruits like Almonds Cashewnuts, Pistachios etc that are toasted or fried. However all these are optional. You can use even a single Dry fruit of your choice. Serve it hot or cold. Tastes equally yummy.