Zarda (food) facts for kids
A plate of coloured zarda, flavoured with various ingredients
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| Alternative names | Zorda, Jarda, Jorda |
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| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | Mughal Empire |
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Associated national cuisine | Pakistan, India, Bangladesh |
| Main ingredients | Rice, raisins, cardamom, saffron, pistachios or almonds |
| Variations | Mutanjan |
| 400-600 kcal (-2112 kJ) | |
Zarda is a yummy sweet rice dish from the Indian subcontinent. It's made with rice, saffron, milk, and sugar. People also add tasty spices like cardamom, raisins, pistachios, or almonds.
The name "Zarda" comes from the Persian language word 'zard'. This word means 'yellow'. The dish gets its name because yellow food coloring is often added to the rice. This makes the rice bright and colorful! Zarda is usually eaten after a meal. It's a very popular dessert for special events like weddings in countries such as Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. It's a bit like other sweet rice dishes, such as Sholezard from Iran or Zerde from Turkey.
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What Makes Zarda Special?
Zarda is known for its sweet taste and beautiful yellow color. It's a dessert that brings joy to many celebrations. The mix of sweet rice with nuts and spices makes it a unique treat.
Colorful Variations
In Pakistan, Zarda often looks even more colorful. Instead of just yellow, cooks might add many different food colors. This makes the rice grains appear in various bright shades. It looks like a rainbow on your plate!
When Zarda is made for big celebrations, people often add extra ingredients. These can include a milk-based sweet called khoya. They also add candied fruits, known as murabba, and more nuts. Raisins and other dried fruits are also very popular additions.
Zarda's Royal History
Zarda has a long and interesting history. It dates back to the time of the Mughal Empire in India. During this period, there was a special version of Zarda called 'Mutanjan'. This version included small, fried sweetmeat pieces mixed into the rice.
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan loved this dish very much. He often asked for Mutanjan to be made for him. This special rice dish was also served to important guests at grand banquets. It was a sign of welcome and celebration.
Zarda in Other Cultures
The Assyrian people also make a dish called Zarda. They typically prepare it during Lent. Lent is a time when some people fast or eat certain foods. Because of this, their Zarda is made without dairy products. This makes it suitable for their fasting traditions.
