रोज खाने की बात आती है, तो 'स्वीट' pulao aur 'Zarda' recipe - perhaps the most popular rice dishes- always comes to my mind! These mouth-watering yet easy recipes have been around for centuries in India and across South Asia. Whether you are a beginner cooking enthusiast or a seasoned chef looking for new ideas, this blog post brings together some of the best sweet biryani, pulao and zarda recipes from traditional Indian cuisine. Grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy your own delicious version of these beloved classic rice recipes!

What is Meethe Chawal ? 

Are you a fan of rice recipes like biryani and pulao? If so, then have you ever wondered about the special ingredient that sets them apart from all other dishes? We’re talking about ‘meethe chawal’ – sweet flavored rice that is used to make everything from traditional Indian biryanis to simple plain pulaos. Understanding this unique flavor can help you craft amazing dishes, which is why it's important to learn all about meethe chawal! In this blog post, we are going to explore its history, flavor profile and how it is used in some delicious recipes. Let's dive right in!

Meethe Chawal is a zarda recipe, or sweet rice dish, which is quite popular in India. It is traditionally made and served on special occasions such as the Indian festival of Basant Panchami or other important occasions. It is a traditional delicacy that offers a pleasant sweet taste and can be flavored with almonds and raisins for extra crunchy goodness. The ingredients used to make this special dish usually include sugar, water, rosewater, clarified butter or ghee, saffron, cardamom powder and basmati rice. This simple yet flavorful recipe takes minimal effort to prepare and yields an enriching and hearty meal which will satisfy any sweet tooth in the house!

The history of meethe chawal is as sweet as the recipe itself. Originating in India centuries ago, zarda (meethe chawal) is believed to have been an ancient royal treat. While the precise method of preparation has changed over time, deliciousness has remained at its heart. The classic zarda recipe involves boiling sweet rice and flavouring it with a medley of spices like cardamom, clove, and saffron. This mixture is then finished off with dried fruits such as cashews, almonds and raisins before being garnished with fresh rose petals for an elegant final touch. Today, zarda is served as a popular dessert during special occasions and festive gatherings across India for its vibrant colours and mouth watering flavour that truly embodies sweet indulgence!

How to make Meethe Chawal 

1. Heat desi ghee into a cast iron dutch oven and toast some chopped nuts over medium heat into it. Remove the nuts and set them aside. To  the same ghee add the whole spices and toast them lightly. 
2. Let the ghee cool a little and add water to the pan as well. Add food colouring to the water. Let the water come to a boil and add rice soaked for 30 minutes into it. 
3. Cover and let the rice cook for 5-7 minutes till they are 75% cooked. You can also add a little more water if required.
4. Uncover and gently mix the rice. Add sugar, toasted nuts and coconut slices. Mix them gently and cover for another 3-4 minutes. Turn the heat off and cover and rest them for 5 minutes.
5. Take off the lid and gently toss them over to open up the rice. Serve them hot, garnished with some more flaked coconut.

More Delicious Rice Recipe:

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2. Dal Chawal Arancini

3. Black Rice Vegetable Keema Biryani

Expert Tips

1. Do not soak the rice for more than 30 minutes.
2. Toasting the nuts in ghee makes them stay more crisp after the rice is cooked.
3. You can also add some turmeric powder instead of food colouring.

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