Enjoy the delicious taste of Zarda, a sweet orange rice dessert popular in Pakistan and India. Made with basmati rice, sugar, and spices, it’s a colorful treat that’s perfect for celebrations and special occasions!

About The Recipe

Zarda rice, also known as Meethe Chawal, is a popular sweet dish in Pakistan, especially during celebrations and special occasions. It has its roots in the Mughal era, and you’ll find it at about 70% of events, particularly in rural areas where it’s a staple.

The basic recipe uses basmati rice, sugar, and basic spices like cardamom, but there are many variations. Some people add khoya for creaminess, saffron for flavor, or toss in dried fruits and nuts for extra texture.

Zarda isn’t just a dessert, it brings us Pakistani people together, celebrating life’s special moments in a delicious way.

How To Make Zarda Rice (Photo-wise Guide)

1. Soak and rinse the rice before beginning. In a pot, add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add 3-4 cardamom pods and 1/2 teaspoon of orange food color. Next, add the soaked and rinsed rice and bring it back to a boil. This process generally takes 15-20 minutes.

2. Once the rice is cooked, use a strainer to drain it.

3. In a pan, add 4 tablespoons of ghee and melt it. After it melts, add sugar gradually.

4. Once the sugar starts melting, gradually add milk until the mixture becomes foamy.

5. At this point, add the boiled rice to the mixture and stir well. Allow the milk to reduce to about 95% before moving on to the steaming process.

6. Before steaming, add fudge and raisins to the mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for another 15 minutes.

6. Finally, dish out the rice and garnish with additional fudge and nuts, if desired.

Special Instructions

1. Use good quality basmati rice for the best flavor and texture. Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps in elongating the grains.
2. Use natural food coloring for a better presentation. Be cautious with the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
3. Traditional recipes often use ghee, which adds a rich flavor, but you can substitute with oil if you prefer a lighter option.
4. Use full-fat milk for creaminess. If you prefer a lighter version, you can partially replace it with water.
5. Soak raisins and nuts in warm water for a few minutes before adding to the rice. This keeps them plump and enhances their flavor.
6. Ensure that the cooking pot is tightly covered during the steam cooking phase to trap moisture and flavors.

What Makes The Best Zarda (Meethe Chawal) ?

I truly believe these key elements come together to create Zarda rice unbeatable:

Quality Rice: Use Basmati: Choosing basmati or any good quality rice is important because its long grains make the dish taste better. It cooks perfectly, staying fluffy and separate, which is what you want in Zarda.

Perfect Sweetness Balance: Getting the sweetness just right in Zarda is crucial; it shouldn’t be overly sweet or too bland, as a balanced sweetness allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overpowering one another, making every bite enjoyable. For the perfect ratio, aim for 1:1/2. If you use 1 cup of rice, add 1/2 cup of sugar. If you’re not using khoya (fudge), consider increasing the sugar to 3/4 cup for a richer sweetness.

Slow Cooking and Steaming: When making meethe chawal, it’s easy to overlook the steaming process, but it’s just as important as with any other rice dish. Don’t rush it! Cooking slowly and steaming the rice lets all the flavors mix together nicely. By taking your time, you’ll end up with a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy!

Using Milk Instead of Water: Cooking the rice in milk instead of water adds richness and creaminess. It makes the Zarda taste indulgent and gives it a lovely texture that water just can’t achieve.

Ghee Over Oil: Finally, using ghee instead of oil is key. Ghee adds a rich flavor and smoothness to the dish that oil doesn’t provide. It truly enhances the overall taste, making it authentic and special.

More Traditional Desserts

Kheer Recipe
Caramel Crunch Trifle

Frequently Asked Questions