Here's a delicious recipe for Jaggery Rice, a sweet and aromatic dish that's perfect for dessert or as a special treat:
### Ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup grated jaggery (gur)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Pinch of salt
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Rice:**
- Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
2. **Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:**
- In another saucepan, combine the grated jaggery with the coconut milk, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the jaggery syrup has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. **Prepare the Garnish:**
- In a small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
- Add the chopped nuts and raisins to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the nuts and raisins from the pan and set them aside.
4. **Combine Everything:**
- Once the rice is cooked and the jaggery syrup is ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm jaggery syrup over the cooked rice and gently fold it in until the rice is evenly coated with the syrup.
- If using saffron strands, dissolve them in a tablespoon of warm milk and drizzle it over the rice for added flavor and color (optional).
- Finally, sprinkle the sautéed nuts and raisins over the jaggery rice as a garnish.
5. **Serve Warm:**
- Jaggery rice can be served warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder if desired.
- Enjoy this delightful sweet treat as a dessert or a special dish during festive occasions!
### Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness of the jaggery syrup according to your preference. You can add more or less jaggery depending on how sweet you like it.
- Feel free to customize the nuts and dried fruits based on your taste preferences. You can also add shredded coconut or grated carrots for extra texture and flavor.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water with more coconut milk or regular milk.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
With its fragrant aroma and rich, sweet flavor, Jaggery Rice is sure to be a hit with your family and friends! Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and making it your own.
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