Experience The Richness Of Modur Pulao: A Must Try Kashmiri Dish

Modur Pulao is a sweet rice dish from Kashmir, flavored with saffron, sugar, and spices. Garnished with ghee-toasted dry fruits, it's a festive treat with a rich aroma and sweetness. This traditional dish is enjoyed during special occasions or celebrations.

Harpreet Kour Updated: Nov 19, 2024 8:00 AM IST

Modur Pulao is a traditional Kashmiri sweet rice dish made with basmati rice, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The rice is cooked with saffron-infused milk for a rich flavor and golden hue. Dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, cashews, and raisins, toasted in ghee, add a delightful crunch. Honey can be used for an extra layer of sweetness. This dish is slow-cooked to blend the sweetness and aroma perfectly. It's served warm, often during festivals or special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • For Rice:

    • 1 cup basmati rice
    • 2 cups water
    • 1-2 green cardamom pods
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 clove
    • teaspoon salt
    • 1-2 tablespoons ghee
  • For Flavoring:

    • cup sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
    • cup milk
    • A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
  • For Garnish:

    • 2 tablespoons raisins
    • 2 tablespoons cashews
    • 2 tablespoons almonds (slivered or chopped)
    • 2 tablespoons pistachios (chopped)

Instructions:

Step 1: Wash and Soak the Rice

  • Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 20 30 minutes. This ensures long, separate grains during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  • Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pot.
  • Add green cardamom, cinnamon stick, and clove; saut until aromatic.
  • Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Saut for 2 3 minutes to coat the rice with ghee and spices.
  • Add 2 cups of water and salt. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Mixture

  • In a separate saucepan, mix sugar and milk. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Add saffron-infused milk and honey (if using) to the sugar mixture.

Step 4: Combine Sweet Mixture with Rice

  • Once the rice is cooked, pour the sweetened milk mixture evenly over it.
  • Mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 5 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Toast Dry Fruits

  • In a small pan, heat a bit of ghee and toast raisins, cashews, almonds, and pistachios until golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish the Modur Pulao with the toasted dry fruits. Serve warm as a dessert or a festive side dish.

Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this Kashmiri delicacy.