Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons ghee
  • A generous pinch of saffron strand
  • 1/3 cup California walnut halves
  • 1/3 cup candied fruits
  • Salt as required
  • 3 cups water
  • A few drops yellow food grade color
  • Dry spice mix
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon cardamom seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Preparation:

  1. Wash rice thoroughly with water and soak for half an hour. Drain the water and set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, add 2 cups of water and bring it to boil. Add rice and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes. Ensure that rice is only cooked 3/4th.
  3. Drain water from the rice and set aside.
  4. Grind the dry spice mix and keep aside.
  5. In another pan, add ghee, sugar, remaining 1 cup water, dry spice mix, drops of color, saffron strands, candied fruits and California walnuts. Bring to a boil till the sugar has dissolved completely.
  6. Add the pre-cooked rice. Stir well. Cover and cook on low flame for 12 minutes. Serve hot.