I am so enjoying this series of Ramadan or Ramzan special recipes. It has given me a chance to explore a whole new range of cuisines and recipes. One dish that I am very very fond of is Meethe Chawal or Zarda Pulao. This sweet saffron-flavoured rice peppered with dry fruits is so easy to make and so very utterly delicious.

Common to a whole range of North Indian cuisines, Meethe Chawal is particularly important and essential dish on most festive occasions. It is also  a part of Iftar during Ramzan/Ramadan and the festivities of Eid.

Do also try my recipes for Sheer Khurma | Sheer Korma, Meethe Sevaiyan, and Shahi Tukde.

How to Make Meethe Chawal or Zarda Pulao

Serves: 4

Time: 60 Minutes

Ingredients

1. Basmati Rice – 1 Cup
2. Ghee – 1/4 Cup
3. Sugar – 1.25 Cups
4. Cashews – 6 to 8
5. Almonds – 6 to 8
6. Raisins – 20
7. Cloves – 4
8. Cinnamon – 2″ Piece
9. Green Cardamom – 4
10. Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
11. Saffron Strands – A Large Pinch (20)
12. Salt – 1/2 tsp
13. Water

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Preparation for Meethe Chawal

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Split the cashews into quarters.
4. Cut the almonds in 1/2 or slice them.
5. Boil 1.5 cups of water. Set aside. Ensure it remains hot.

Method to Prepare the Rice

1. Heat the ghee in a pan.
2. Add cloves, cinnamon, and green cardamom.
3. Saute for 10-15 seconds.
4. Add the cashews, almonds and raisins.
5. Saute for 10-15 seconds.
6. Add turmeric and drained rice.
7. Mix well.
8. Add salt, saffron strands, and 1.5 cups of hot water.
9. Mix well.
10. Pressure cook for 3 whistles or cook covered till all the water is absorbed and the rice is just cooked.
11. Spread on a large plate and let it cool a bit.

Method to Make the Sugar Syrup

1. Add 1/4 cup water to 1.25 Cups of Sugar.
2. Mix well.
3. Over medium flame, heat the sugar and water till it forms a thick syrup.
4. Let it cool a bit till it is just warm.

Method to Make the Meethe Chawal or Zarda Pulao

1. Mix the sugar syrup and the rice.
2. Let the Meethe Chawal or Zarda Pulao rest a while.
3. Enjoy!

Tips

• You could use Yellow or saffron food colour instead of turmeric.
• You can add fried/toasted coconut slices to the Meethe Chawal to give it an additional zing!
• Be sure that the sugar syrup is just thick (all sugar should melt) and not one-string consistency.

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I am taking this sweet treat to the party at Fiesta Friday #75.

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