A delicious recipe for meethe chawal or Sweet rice - a traditional Indian dessert that is comforting as well as full of celebration. This aromatic dish contains tender basmati rice, with the subtle taste of saffron and cardamom, and finished with a decoration of toasted nuts. It is a perfect treatment for festive occasions, special breakfast or when you are a sweet and satisfying something.It is usually prepared on Basant Panchmi or Diwali festival.
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice: 1 cup (rinse and soaked for 30 minutes)
- Full fat milk: 2 cups
- Water: 1½ cups
- Sugar: 1 cup (adjusted to taste)
- Saffron: Soak in 2 tablespoons of a pinch, hot milk
- Cardamom powder: 1 tablespoon
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Mixed nuts: Cashew nuts, almonds, pistachio , raisins
- Rose water: a few drops (optional, for extra aroma)
Instructions:
- Prepare rice:
- Firstly wash the basmati rice well and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the rice well.
- Roast nuts:
- Now take a heavy bottomed pan, heat the ghee on medium heat. Add cashews, almonds, pistachios and raisins. Fry them a little until they are golden and release aroma. Remove the nuts and set it to the side - they will add a fun crunch to your dish
- Roasting Rice :
- In the same pan with the remaining ghee , add rice. Fry it for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted. This step helps to increase the taste.
- Cook rice :
- Pour in 1½ cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow to cook until the rice is about half. Then, stir in whole fat milk and sugar. Mix well so that the sugar is completely dissolved.
- The aroma addition :
- Add the saffron (with its milk) and cardamom powder to the pan. Reduce the heat, cover the pan and let the rice simmer. Keep stirring in between to prevent sticking. Cook until the rice is fully tender and creamy.
- Finish and serve :
- Once the rice reaches your desired consistency ,gently folded in roasted nuts. If using, add a few drops of rose water to enhance the aroma. Serve rice hot, decorated with any additional almond or cardamom powder sprinkled.
Tips and tricks:
- The consistency is key: For creamier rice, use a mixture of milk and water; Adjust the liquid volume corresponding to your preferred texture.
- Flavor Boosters: Saffron soaked in hot milk not only illuminates its color but also intensifies its taste.
- Presentation: Garnish with a light dusting of a few extra roasted nuts and cardamom powder to influence your guests visually and gastronomy.
This meethe chawal recipe is a joyful mix of tradition and taste - rich in taste, sweet and warm spices of India. Experiment your favorite nuts or adjust the sweetness to make it unique. Enjoy every spoon of this comfortable dessert, and its humble aroma dear you to culinary memories.
