Easy breezy Naarali Bhat

This is one of my simple recipe for Naarali Bhat.  Yes, accepted that its not the traditional way but can be prepared in jiffy without any hassle.

This is what I used:

1 cup Rice

2 cups water

1 cup Sugar

1 cup grated coconut

2 tbsp Ghee, sorry no butter or oil

5-7 Cloves

1 tbsp cashew pieces

1 tbsp golden raisins

Few saffron strands dissolved in 1 tbsp of warm milk
A pinch of Orange food colour (Optional)

This is what I did with the ingredients:

Cook the rice in 2 cups of water like we do normally.  The rice should not be too soft but fully cooked and grain seperated.  Reduce/increase the water quantity accrodingly.  I used 2 cups water.  When it is fully cooled add the sugar and the coconut.  Mix together.  Now the rice, sugar and coconut mixture will start leaving water.

In a kadhai or wok, heat the ghee.  Add the cloves in the ghee and fry till the colour is changed.  Then add the cashewnuts and then raisins, when the cashews turn light brown, add the rice mixture alongwith the water.

Pour the saffron milk and the food colour if using.  Mix everything together and put lid on the kadhai.  After all the water dries up, remove from heat.  Serve.

This rice can be sered hot or cold.  No restrictions.  Even it can be made a day or two in advance for parties.  Tastes great.