Pineapple Sweet rice (Zarda)

Pineapple Sweet Rice is a traditional dish of India and Pakistan. There are many variations of this recipe. Pineapple flavor is widely popular among Muslims. 

It's a very delicious Dessert and it's really very easy to make. Prepare this mouthwatering dessert on important occasions.

You will need: Ingredients:

• 1 bowl Basmati rice

• Saffron artificial color

• 2 tbsp Ghee/oil

• 1 bowl sugar

• 2 cardamons  

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/2 tsp Pineapple essence

• Small Pineapple pcs

• Mawa/ khoya/ reduced dry milk (optional)

• Few strands of saffron 

• Dry fruits for garnish 

Note - The amount of rice should be equivalent to the amount of sugar. 

Method:

First prepare the rice by boiling with bright saffron color, also use some lemon color too for a beautiful color as desired. Semi cook and drain the rice.

Heat 2 tbsp ghee/oil, add cardamons and bay leaves. Heat for 1 minute and quickly add 1/2 cup of water in the heated oil/ghee (be very careful, cover quickly with a lid as it will splutter). Turn the heat off.

Add all the sugar, again turn the heat on and wait for it to melt completely. Add pineapple essence at this stage. Mix semi cooked rice in the melted sugar (add 2-3 drops of lemon to keep each rice grains from not sticking with each other, it's a secret tip). 

Note: Maintain medium flames. Don't keep stirring the rice too much, no one likes messed up rice.

Meanwhile place pineapple pcs, quantity as desired, on the top of the rice and cover the rice with a lid. 

(Why not mixing the pineapple pcs in the rice with a large mixing spoon? When rice is been cooked, avoid stirring as it breaks the grains and gives a messy look) Pineapple pcs will be cooked with the steam of rice, which will be enough to give great flavor.

If using Mawa/ Khoya/ reduced dry milk, then add on top of the rice before covering with a lid. It's an optional step.

Once its cooked, garnish it with saffron strands and dry fruits as desired.

Enjoy!