Enjoy this healthier version of Zarda – delicately fragranced with spices and clementine peel. This delicious sweet orange rice is made with no artificial colors or refined sugar!

Healthy zarda (orange sweet rice) served in dish with spoon, sliced oranges on the side.

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Zarda (Sweet Orange Rice)
Notes on ingredients
Equipment
Preparation tips
How to make Zarda
Tips and Variations
How to Serve
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How to Make Zarda (Sweet Orange Rice Recipe)

Zarda (Sweet Orange Rice)

Zarda is a traditional sweet rice dish (also known as meethe chawal or “sweet rice”), made using a handful of ingredients. This vibrant and versatile dish is typically enjoyed over special occasions or as a sweet treat.

The name Zarda comes from both the Persian word and Urdu word “Zard” which means yellow. This dish has a bright yellow color/orange color.

In general, you will notice the traditional Zarda recipe uses food colouring (to get that vibrant yellow/orange hue) as well as huge amounts of sugar/sugar syrup and lots of ghee.

In this recipe we make this delightful dish in a much healthier and simplified way.

Color – the yellow color in this recipe comes naturally from turmeric and orange juice/peel.
Sweetness – we also sweeten this dish using refined sugar-free Grade A maple syrup (instead of refined sugar such as caster sugar). This also enhances the depth of flavor in this dish.
Ghee (clarified butter) – this recipe also uses less ghee for a lighter version.
Whole spices and nuts – we also add whole spices including cloves, cardamom and cinnamon as well as cashew nuts and flaked almonds, adding to the flavor profile and nutrients in this dish.
One pan – you only require one pan/pot to make the dish (no need to boil the rice separately) … which saves on the extra washing!

I prefer this healthier version of Zarda where you can enjoy the delicate and beautiful balance of flavors – without being overpowered by excess sugar.

This is a great and wholesome way to celebrate any festive occasion – without the guilt!

There is something truly special about treating your loved ones to healthier foods including this Zarda – made without artificial food colors, refined sugar, excess fat and other unhealthy ingredients.

close up of healthy zarda orange rice with fresh oranges in background.

Notes on ingredients

Basmati rice – this recipe uses long grain white basmati rice, soak before cooking for the best results.
Whole spices – including cloves, cinnamon stick, green cardamoms and black cardamoms (optional). This aromatic spices provides a warm flavor which perfectly pairs with the zesty orange flavor.
Ghee (clarified butter) – to cook the spices and rice, whilst adding flavor. To make this dish vegan you can substitute ghee with unrefined coconut oil or olive oil. You may notice a slight coconut flavor if you use coconut oil.
Maple syrup – use grade A refined sugar-free maple syrup (100% pure), this adds a depth of flavor and sweetens the rice.
Nuts – this recipe uses cashew nuts and flaked almonds. You can also add pistachio nuts if desired.
Water – to cook the rice, 1 ¼ cups water are used for 1 cup of rice (as the juice of clementine and maple syrup add to the liquid).
Turmeric – turmeric powder is added to this recipe for a natural yellow color.
Juice and peel of an orange/clementine – this recipe uses clementine as these are sweeter in flavor (compared with classic oranges which have more of a tart flavor). These are a type of mandarin orange.

labelled ingredients used to make zarda (orange sweet rice).

Equipment

To make this dish you will need a heavy bottomed pan with lid.

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Use a silicone spatula to cook the rice.

Preparation tips

Wash rice thoroughly until water is clear. Soak rice in water for at least 30 minutes. Note: Once soaked, drain the rice just before you start cooking (so it is ready to add into the pan after sautéing the spices).
Freshly squeeze the orange/clementine and set aside (strain to remove any seeds – you can keep the pulp).
Slice the skin of the orange/clementine into thin 1 inch slivers (resembling the peel in marmalade).

How to make Zarda

Heat ghee in a pan. Once melted, add cashew nuts and roast on medium-high heat for 30 seconds – 1 minute, or until slightly golden. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cashew nuts onto a plate (with paper towel) and set aside. Allow ghee to remain in the pan.
Add whole spices (cloves, green + black cardamom and cinnamon stick) into the pan (with remaining ghee) and cook for 20-30 seconds on medium heat, stirring frequently. You will notice the whole spices releasing a fragrance.
Add the orange peel and cook for another 15-20 seconds.
Add the soaked and drained rice, cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Add the fresh orange juice, maple syrup and water and stir. Add the turmeric powder, cashew nuts and flaked almonds and cook on high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
Once the mixture comes to the boil, cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, or until the water evaporates. Before removing from heat, check a few rice grains to ensure fully cooked, separate gently with a fork to prevent the rice from breaking.

numbered collage showing steps to make zarda (sweet orange rice).

Tips and Variations

Use unwaxed oranges – clementine has the sweetest flavor. Wash and rinse the skin before using.
Wash, rinse and soak rice – wash the rice to remove excess starch. Soak in fresh water for at least 30 minutes to help absorb maximum flavor when cooking.
Variations – you can experiment with other vegetables for variety. For a richer color add finely sliced carrots or cooked beetroot. Handle beetroot with gloves (as it can cause staining). You can also add dry fruits including raisins on top of the rice. You can also garnish with saffron threads or add a hint of saffron water or rose water.