Shahi Jorda is a delicious and popular dessert loved by people of all ages. Often associated with weddings and festive gatherings, Shahi Jorda holds a special place in our hearts. As a child, attending weddings meant eagerly waiting for the Shahi Jorda to be served so I could savor it to my heart’s content. Since learning to make it at home, I can now enjoy this delightful treat whenever I wish. You too can prepare Shahi Jorda at home with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- Polao rice or Basmati rice: 250 g
- Cardamom: 6–7
- Cinnamon sticks: 4–5
- Cloves: 2–4
- Sugar: 200–250 g
- Lemon juice: 1–2 teaspoons
- Milk powder: As needed
- Ghee: 2–3 teaspoons
- Oil: ½ cup
- Raisins: A handful
- Jorda food color: 1–2 teaspoons
- Chopped candied fruits (morabba): As needed
- Chopped nuts: As needed
- Baby sweets: 12–15
Preparation Steps:
- Wash and Soak Rice:
Wash the rice thoroughly and drain. For Polao rice, soak for 15 minutes, and for Basmati rice, soak for 25 minutes. This prevents the rice from breaking during cooking and helps it stay long and fluffy. - Cook the Rice:
Boil water in a pot with a bay leaf, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of oil, and the Jorda color. Add the rice and cook for 5–8 minutes. For Polao rice, cook for 5–6 minutes, and for Basmati rice, cook for 7–8 minutes. Strain the rice and set it aside. - Prepare the Syrup:
Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves) and fry lightly. Add sugar and water, stirring continuously until the syrup comes to a boil. - Mix the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the syrup and mix gently to combine. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let it cook for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice absorbs the syrup evenly. - Add Final Touches:
After 15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of ghee and lemon juice. Mix lightly. Cover again and let it cook on low heat for another 10–15 minutes, ensuring the rice remains fluffy and doesn’t overcook. - Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the Shahi Jorda from heat. Sprinkle milk powder, chopped nuts, and baby sweets or candied fruits on top. Serve warm or chilled as a delightful dessert.
Tips For Shahi Jorda:
- Prevent Rice from Breaking: Add a little lemon juice while boiling the rice to keep the grains intact.
- Enhance Flavor: Adding milk powder enhances the richness and taste of the Jorda.
- Substitutes: If baby sweets are unavailable, use candied fruits (morabba) for garnishing.
Enjoy your homemade Shahi Jorda—a perfect treat for any occasion! 😊
