Huma's Tooti Fruity Tri-Color Zarda with Mixed Dry Fruits and Desi Ghee

Tooti Fruity Tri-Color Zarda with Mixed Dry Fruits and Desi Ghee, serving 8-10 people:- 4 cups basmati rice

Ingredients:-

- 4 cups water
- 2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup desi ghee (clarified butter)
- 8-10 green cardamoms
- 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (such as almonds, cashews, raisins, and pistachios)
- Food coloring (red, yellow and green)
- kewra water - 4 tsp
- Silver vark (edible silver foil) for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup tooti fruity pieces





















Instructions:-
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the drained rice and cook until it is about 70% cooked (the grains should still be slightly firm). Drain the rice and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat the desi ghee over medium heat. Add the mixed dry fruits and sauté until they are lightly golden. Remove the dry fruits from the ghee and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add some ghee and green cardamoms and let them infuse in the ghee for a minute. Place half the rice and pour 1 cup of sugar evenly. Now place another layer of left over rice and pour rest of the sugar.
5. In three little cups dilute the food colors ( green, red , yellow) separately and take 2 tbs of the rice each and put inside the food coloring bowls. Let it rest while rest of the rice is cooking.
6. After about 10 min place the colored rice on top of the white rice. Do not mix !
7. Now place the tooti fruity on top.
8. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
9. Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it up with a fork, mixing the layers together. You will see lovely colors all separately!
10. Garnish the Zarda with the sautéed dry fruits and a sprinkle of kewra water. Also garnish some khoya on top . You can also decorate with silver vark for an elegant touch.
11. Serve the Tri-Color Zarda warm as a delightful dessert for your guests to enjoy!
Remember to adjust the quantities according to the number of people you are serving. Enjoy your delicious Tooti Fruity Tri-Color Zarda with Mixed Dry Fruits and Desi Ghee!