4 July, 2025

Zarda Pulao, also called Meethe Chawal, is a sweet rice dish enjoyed across South Asia, especially during festivals like Eid, weddings, or family gatherings. With its rich smell, bright yellow colour, and a mix of dry fruits and sugar, Zarda Pulao adds a festive touch to any meal. This recipe gives the classic dish a royal touch with a Nawabi twist by using Kohinoor Authentic Basmati Rice. This high-quality rice boosts the Pulao's aroma, texture, and taste, making it a dish to remember.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Kohinoor Authentic Basmati Rice
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¼ teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• A pinch of salt
• Edible yellow food colour (optional, if you want a brighter colour)
• Rose water or kewra water – 1 teaspoon (optional, for aroma)

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to prepare Zarda Pulao
1. Rinse and soak the rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of Kohinoor Traditional Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps get rid of extra starch. Soak the rice for 30 minutes, then drain it.
2. Boil the rice: Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil in a large pan. Add a pinch of salt and the soaked rice. Cook the rice until it's 90% done. The grains should be soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set the rice aside.
3. Infuse the flavour: In a separate deep pan or kadhai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add the whole spices, cinnamon sticks, green cardamom pods, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add nuts and dry fruits: Toss the chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Sauté until they turn golden brown. Add raisins and stir until they puff up slightly.
5. Mix sugar and saffron: Add the sugar and saffron milk mixture. Stir until the sugar begins to melt. At this stage, you can add the yellow food colour using a teaspoon of rose or kewra water for added fragrance.
6. Combine rice and flavours: Gently add the cooked rice to the pan. Mix carefully using a flat spatula to avoid breaking the grains. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the pulao steam on the lowest heat setting for about 8–10 minutes. This helps the flavours infuse and the rice to absorb the sweetness.
7. Serve: Once done, turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Zarda Pulao

Here are a few tips to cook the perfect Zarda Pulao

• Use long-grain basmati rice: The secret to a fragrant and fluffy sweet rice recipe lies in the quality of rice. Kohinoor authentic basmati rice delivers long grains that stay separate and aromatic, which is ideal for Zarda Pulao.
• Don't overcook the rice: The rice should be slightly undercooked before mixing it with sugar. This prevents it from turning mushy during the steaming process.
• Ghee is key: It adds a rich, nutty flavour. However, make sure not to overdo it. Just two tablespoons are enough for a balanced taste.
• Control the sweetness: Depending on personal taste or occasion, you can slightly increase or decrease the sugar. Always taste before the final steam.

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking to make your Zarda Pulao a bit more wholesome without compromising too much on the traditional taste, here are some smart swaps:

• Replace sugar with jaggery: Jaggery is a natural sweetener that lends a deeper, earthy sweetness and adds iron to your diet. Just dissolve jaggery in a little water, strain it, and add in place of sugar.
• Use less ghee: While ghee is traditional, you can reduce the quantity slightly or use a ghee and olive oil mix to reduce saturated fat.
• Add more dry fruits: Dry fruits add texture and richness and are packed with nutrients. Choose unsweetened, unroasted varieties for best results.

Whether making it for a festival or just in the mood for something rich, Zarda Pulao, made with Kohinoor Traditional Basmati Rice, gives you the perfect mix of royal flavour and sweet comfort. With its Nawabi charm and smooth texture, this sweet rice dish brings people together through shared memories and joyful moments.

FAQ's

What dishes pair well with Zarda Pulao?

Zarda Pulao is usually enjoyed independently, but you can serve it alongside mild kebabs, fruit raita, or a simple mint tea to balance the sweetness.

How can I adjust the sweetness of Zarda Pulao?

Start with a smaller amount of sugar or jaggery, taste the mix before the final steam, and adjust as needed. Remember that dry fruits also add sweetness.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Zarda Pulao?

Yes, you can use brown rice but expect a chewier texture and a nuttier flavour. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio.