Eid-e-Milad Special.....Zarda

Happy Mild-un-Nabi To all of you.....Well our Milad begins with a traditional Fateha, which is done with the Zarda. Here is the recipe.

The Magic Makers
Rice                                                     1cup
Crystal Sugar                                     1 1/4 cup
Ghee                                                    As much as you can add
Green Cardamom                              8-10pods
Cashew & Raisins                               1/2 cup
Milk                                                     1/2 cup
Saffron or Yellow Food Colouring    a pinch

The Prestige
Boil the rice with cardamom pods till almost done. Drain and leave it on a colander. Heat some ghee in a heavy bottomed pan and fry the cashew and raisins in it. Remove the dry fruits and keep aside. In the same ghee toss the rice for a minute. Now add the sugar and cook covered on low flame for 5 minutes. Dissolve the food colouring in the milk and mix in with the rice. Cook covered on a low flame till done. It will take about half an hour. Mix in the dry fruits and serve.

Tip from my granny: Top with some grated/sliced dessicated coconut.(shallow fried).