Mutanjan (Zarda) Recipe By Makki Madni Catering

 Makki Madni Catering

Zarda is a traditional Pakistani dessert often made during special occasions. It's a sweet rice dish flavored with spices, dried fruits, and nuts. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 
  4 cups water (for boiling the rice)
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in a bit of warm milk)
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 3-4 green cardamom pods
• 1-inch piece of cinnamon
• 3-4 cloves
• 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits and nuts (like raisins, almonds, and cashews)
• 1/2 teaspoon yellow or orange food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the rice completely.
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add the drained rice to it. Boil the rice until it's 70% cooked, then drain and set aside.
3. While the rice is boiling, heat ghee in another large pan over medium heat. Add the cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, and sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their fragrance.
4. Lower the heat and add the milk, sugar, and saffron mixture to the pan, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
5. If you're using food coloring, dissolve it in two tablespoons of water and mix it into the pan now.
6. Add the partially cooked rice to the pan and gently mix it all together, making sure the rice is evenly coated in the sugar and milk mixture.
7. Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the milk.
8. While the rice is cooking, roast your mixed nuts in a separate pan over medium heat until they're lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
9. Once the rice is done, sprinkle the roasted nuts and dried fruits over the top.
10. Cover the pan again and let it sit for another 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
11. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm.

Enjoy Mutanjan Zarda!