Zarda Pulao | Instant Pot Zarda Pulav
Zarda pulao or meetha chawal is a simple saffron-flavored sweet rice made with sugar and nuts. Check out the Instant Pot version of the Zarda pulao here.
Servings: 6
Calories: 284kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ghee unmelted
- 10 almonds
- 10 cashews
- 2 cardamom
- 2 cloves
- 10 raisins
- ⅛ tsp turmeric
- 10 saffron strands soaked in ¼ cup luke-warm water for 30 minutes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup basmati rice washed and soaked in water for 30 minutes
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsps milk or water
Instructions
Prep-Work:
- Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
- Soak the saffron strands in luke-warm water for 30 minutes.
Steps:
- Set the Instant Pot in saute mode and when the display shows "HOT," add the ghee and let it melt.
- Now add the almonds, cashews, raisins, cardamom, and cloves — Fry for 40 to 45 seconds.
- Add the plain water, and the saffron water and Turmeric powder. Mix it.
- Next add the sugar, rice and milk/water.
- Gently mix and let it simmer for just one minute.
- Press the cancel button and close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent is in the sealing position. Now pressure cook for 7 minutes in high pressure and release the pressure naturally.
- Carefully open the lid after releasing the pressure and allow the pulao to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently mix. Garnish it with crushed nuts and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure you are using a different sealing ring for the Instant Pot. I have two sealing rings, one for desserts and one for curries and biryanis. You don't want your Zarda to smell like biryani.
- Add nuts of your choice. You can add crumbled khoya and pomegranate arils after cooking the rice as a garnish.
- Adjust the sugar according to your preference.
Nutrition
Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.6mg