Zarda Pulao Recipe

Meethe chawal | Muglai zarda pulao | Sweet pulao | Festive-Party recipe | Exotic rice dish | Eid-Ramadan recipe
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Recipe / food styling / photography by - Sunayana Gupta





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Zarda Recipe or Meethe Chawal recipe step by step cooking instructions and method. Zarda rice is a classic sweet pulao that has a punch of exotic whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise. Lets read the recipe of Zarda Pulao.

Basmati Rice cooked with saffron infused sugar syrup and dry fruits makes on of the finest and fragrant Pulao popularly known as the ‘Zarda Pulao’ in Awadhi and Hydrabadi cuisine. So this pulao being ‘Sweet’ is entirely different from other savory pulao recipes where lots of veggies and spices are used.

Predominantly the recipe of this Zarda Pulao hails from the rich Islamic cuisine and hence is also a prominent menu item in countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and other places. Usually it is made during the festivities of Eid, Ramadan, weddings and served as a dessert.

Zarda is a classic sweet pulao that has a punch of exotic whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise. The yellow color in Zarda is derived from Saffron, which is one of the most expensive spice in the world. However, some people also use a hint of Turmeric powder to get the similar color effect which I think is a good way to go cost effective. Besides I am strictly against using artificial food coloring as it is full of chemicals and not good for the body. So, if you do not get saffron, then go for a pinch of turmeric powder or haldi, rather using artificial food colors that are pure health hazards in the long run. Also in few places Milk Solids or Khoya/Mawa is often added that gives it a rich creamy kind of texture.

We have more Pulao Recipes in this website that you might want to check for your festivity or special dinners. Do refer -

Soya chunks pulao recipe

Instant vegetable pulao recipe

Pohe ka pualo recipe

Shivid polow recipe

Paneer & peas pulao recipe



Serving Zarda Pulao is a work of Art!!!

The best way to serve Zarda Pulao in any festivity is to spread it nicely on a ‘Rice Plate’…preferably a traditional one and top it with saffron coated rice and some chopped dry fruits. You can also decorate with silver foil and few rose petals.

During Eid or Ramadan, Zarda Pulao and Almond Milk go hand in hand. This combo is always a hit and the best part, you can go as per season or preference i.e. you can serve almond milk both hot and chilled.

Check out more of Muglai Recipes -

Awadhi vegetable pulao recipe

Paneer Kofta recipe

Kaju paneer curry recipe

Khatte baingan recipe

Navratan dal recipe



Zarda Pulao

Zarda Recipe or Meethe Chawal recipe step by step cooking instructions and method. Zarda rice is a classic sweet pulao that has a punch of exotic whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise. Lets read the recipe of Zarda.

Preparation Time : 10 minutes
Cooking Time : 15 minutes

Category : Ramadan
Cuisine :
Servings : 4 servings

Author : Sunayana Gupta

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Recipe Ingredients

  • Long grain Basmati rice - 1 cup
  • Water - 1 1/2 cup (Adjustable)
  • Saffron (Kesar) - Few strands
  • Milk - 2 tablespoon
  • Sugar - 1/2 cup or to taste
  • Ghee - 1 tablespoon 

Whole Spices -

  • Bay leaf - 1
  • Cloves (Laung) - 4
  • Green cardamom (Choti elaichi) - 2-3 crushed
  • Cinnamon (Dalchini) - 1 inch stick
  • Star anise (Chakraphool) - 1 

Dry fruits - 

  • Almonds (Sliced) - 2 tablespoon
  • Pistachios (Sliced) - 2 tablespoon
  • Cashew nuts - 8-10
  • Raisins - 2-3 tablespoon

How to make Zarda Pulao

To begin with making this exotic and fragrant Zarda Pulao we need to wash and soak Basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes and then drain out the excess water.

  1. Also soak saffron strands in 1-2 tablespoon of warm milk for an hour at least, so that you get a nice saffron color and flavor.
  2. So now when our preparations are done, let us begin with cooking. Heat ghee in a pan and fry the dry fruits on low flame till golden. Transfer to a plate and in the same ghee fry whole spices for half a minute till you get a nice aroma.
  3. To this add in the soaked rice, mix nicely and simmer on low heat for 2 minutes.
  4. Now its time to add in the water and sugar. Give a gentle stir and cook on medium to high flame till it comes to a boiling point and the rice begins to soak sugar syrup.
  5. When it is almost done, top it with fried dry fruits (Reserve some for garnish) and saffron milk. Now reduce heat, cover the pan with a lid or plate and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Switch off the flame and keep it covered for 10 minutes, do not open the pan.
  7. After resting, gently fluff rice with a fork and serve hot in a rice plate. Check out our Serving Suggestion above to know the whole serving procedure and presentation!





  • Name
  • Zarda Pulao Recipe
  • Sub name
  • Meethe chawal | Muglai zarda pulao | Sweet pulao | Festive-Party recipe | Exotic rice dish | Eid-Ramadan recipe
  • Category
  • Ramadan
  • Cuisine
  • Muglai/Hydrabadi/Islamic cuisine
  • Key ingredients
  • Basmati rice, sugar, saffron, dry fruits
  • Cooking technique
  • Cooking on gas top
  • Technicality
  • Expert
  • Taste
  • Sweet with the robust flavors of whole spices
  • Texture
  • Fluffy pulao with crunch of assorted dry fruits
  • Preparation time
  • 10 minutes
  • Cooking time
  • 15 minutes
  • Servings
  • 4
  • Equipment used
  • Pan with lid
  • Steps
  • 0
  • Created date
  • 2018-06-12 08:21:41

About Sunayana Gupta

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Hi,

I am founder, recipe creater, blogger and food photographer for this website. Here we provide you with some lip smacking veg. and egg recipes that you can easily replicate in your kitchen and create a soulful platter for your family & friends following our serving suggestions. From some regional Indian cuisine to popular recipes from around the globe, our focus is to make cooking easy for you with simple to follow steps, staple ingredients and accessible cooking techniques.

After you try any of our recipe, we are longing back to hear from you as your feedback means a lot to us. Hope you enjoy cooking and together we share some enticing ideas and tips.

Happy cooking!