9. SAKAR BHATH

(Maharashtra)

1 cup raw rice

1 cup sugar

2 cloves

4 cardamoms

3 tablespoons ghee

Pinch of saffron or a pinch of orange colouring

6-8 shreded almonds I handful raisins

1½-2 cups boiling water

METHOD:

1. Wash and soak the rice for about 10-15 minutes. Then keep it in a strainer for 1 hr.

2. Heat ghee in a thick bottomed vessel. Season with cloves and cardamoms. Add rice and fry until golden brown. Add boiling water and cook until the grains are soft and the water dries up. Spread the rice on a flat dish and allow to cool.

3. Make a thick syrup with the sugar in a small vessel. Add colouring or saffron and then the rice. Mix well. Cover and keep on a very slow fire until all the syrup is absorbed by the rice.

4. Decorate with shreded almonds and raisins.