Ami S Zarda Recipe

Ingredients for Ami S Zarda

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Food Coloring
• 8 green cardamoms, lightly crushed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or ghee)

How to Make Ami S Zarda

1. Blanch almonds: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup almonds with 1/2 cup water. Microwave for 2 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. Peel off the skins. Slice almonds lengthwise.
2. Prepare raisins: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup raisins with 1/4 cup water. Microwave for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook rice: In a saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 8 crushed green cardamoms, and 1/4 teaspoon yellow food coloring (optional). Bring to a boil. Add 2 cups basmati rice.
4. Simmer rice: Increase heat to high. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-high and cook until rice is halfway cooked (approximately 7-10 minutes). To check, remove a few grains; a halfway cooked grain will show three lines down the center.
5. Drain rice: Drain any remaining water from the rice.
6. Make the sugar syrup: In a separate saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 5 crushed green cardamoms and cook for a few seconds. Add a little less than 1/2 cup of water. Cover and bring to a simmer.
7. Add sugar and rice: Stir in 3/4 cup of sugar until dissolved. Add the cooked rice, prepared raisins, and sliced almonds. Gently mix to coat the rice evenly with the syrup.
8. Simmer and dry: Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
9. Add gloss and finish: Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over the top of the rice for shine. Cover the saucepan with foil, then the lid. Place the saucepan on a tawa (flat griddle) over very low heat for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to the lowest setting for another 6-7 minutes.
10. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: Serve with crème fraîche, or enjoy with apple and cinnamon green tea.