Sakhar Bhat

SAKHAR BHAT

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice, washed and drained
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 ¼ cup sugar and a little more than ½ cup water for the paak (sugar syrup)
• 4-5 cloves
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• 8-10 cashew nuts, halved and raisins
• pinch of keshar (saffron) strands, soaked in a little milk or water
• 1 tsp lime juice (optional)

Method:

1. Heat the ghee, when hot add the cloves and cook till the color of cloves starts changes.
2.  Add the rice and saute a bit.
3. Add two cups water and cook the rice.
4. When the rice is cooked, gently spread it in a plate and let cool.
5. Combine the sugar and water. Let the mixture cook till you get a thick syrup.
6. You know the paak (sugar syrup) is done when a drop of paak put on a metal plate holds it shape and doesn't run. 
7. Add the lemon juice (optional), saffron, cardamom powder, cashews, and the rice to the syrup.
8. Cover and cook till the water evaporates.
9. Serve it hot. Garnish with cashew and raisins.

Mainly prepared on festive occasions :-)