Meethe Chawal

Meethe Chawal, also known as Sweet Rice or Zarda, is a traditional Indian dessert made with aromatic basmati rice, sugar, and a variety of nuts and spices. It is a popular dish often prepared during festive occasions and celebrations.

To make Meethe Chawal, the basmati rice is first soaked for a while and then cooked until it is tender. The cooked rice is then sweetened with sugar and flavored with spices such as cardamom, saffron, and sometimes rose water. This combination of sugar and spices gives the rice a delightful aroma and a sweet taste.

In addition to the sweetness, Meethe Chawal is often adorned with a variety of nuts and dried fruits such as almonds, cashews, raisins, and shredded coconut. These ingredients not only add a wonderful texture to the dish but also enhance its overall flavor and presentation.

Meethe Chawal is typically served as a dessert or a special treat after a meal. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It is commonly served during festivals like Diwali, Eid, and other joyous occasions.

The dish holds cultural significance in different parts of India and has regional variations in terms of ingredients and preparation methods. However, the essence of Meethe Chawal lies in its aromatic and sweet nature, making it a delightful and indulgent dessert loved by many.

A recipe for Meethe Chawal (Sweet Rice):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 and 3/4 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 4-5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
• A pinch of edible orange food color (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot, bring 1 and 3/4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice along with a pinch of salt. Cook the rice on medium heat until it is 70-80% cooked. The grains should still have a slight bite to them. Drain the rice and set it aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped nuts and raisins, and sauté them until they are lightly golden. Remove them from the pan and set them aside for garnishing.
4. In the same pan, add the sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook the sugar syrup over medium heat until it reaches a one-thread consistency. To check the consistency, take a small amount of syrup between your fingertips and press them together. It should form a thin thread.
5. Add the cooked rice to the sugar syrup and gently mix it together. Be careful not to break the rice grains. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer in the syrup for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Add the crushed cardamom pods and saffron strands (if using) to the rice. Mix them gently to distribute the flavors evenly. You can also add a pinch of edible orange food color for a vibrant look (optional).
7. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook on low heat for another 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are infused.
8. Remove the pan from heat and let the Meethe Chawal rest for a few minutes. Then, drizzle rose water over the rice and gently mix it in to enhance the fragrance (optional).
9. Transfer the Meethe Chawal to a serving dish and garnish it with the sautéed nuts and raisins.
10. Serve the Meethe Chawal warm or at room temperature as a dessert or sweet treat. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy the delightful flavors and sweetness of Meethe Chawal!