Himachal Dham Mittha Sweet Jaggery Rice Festival Feast Close

Method

1. 1

   Wash basmati rice until clear. Soak 15 minutes. Drain.

2. 2

   Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a heavy pot. Add crushed cardamom and cloves — fry 20 seconds.

3. 3

   Add drained rice. Toss in ghee 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the dissolved strained jaggery water. Bring to a boil. Stir once.

5. 5

   Reduce to the absolute lowest heat. Cover tightly. Cook 18 to 20 minutes.

6. 6

   Turn off heat. Rest covered 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Add dry ginger powder. Fluff gently with a fork.

8. 8

   Fold in fried cashews and raisins.

9. 9

   The mittha should be a warm caramel-brown from the jaggery, each grain separate and fragrant.