Sweet Rice (Zarda)

4 cups uncooked white rice

¼ teaspoon orange food color

10 pods whole cardamom

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cups white sugar

3 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon raisins

1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon chopped almonds

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

Place the rice in a bowl with water to cover and soak one hour.

Bring a large pot of water to boil with food color and half the cardamom pods. Stir in the rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, 20 minutes.

In a large skillet over low heat, cook remaining cardamom pods in oil 2 minutes. Stir in cooked, drained rice, and sugar. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cream, raisins, walnuts, almonds and orange zest. Serve warm.