Cool, Fruity, and So Easy to Make
Sweet Watermelon Rice is inspired by the traditional Indian dessert Zarda Pulao which is usually made with nuts, sugar and rice. But this time I gave it a little twist I skipped the sugar and used maple syrup instead! When summer begins I go all in on watermelon. It’s one of those fruits you truly get to enjoy only for a short time, so I try not to miss any chance to use it whether in drinks or recipes. This was my first time making this dish and I must say it turned out to be the perfect cheat dessert for summer!
Watermelon Rice Cooking Video
Zarda Pulao is a beautiful and fragrant Indian sweet rice dish made with basmati rice, nuts, cardamom and saffron. It’s lightly sweet, full of rich aroma and often enjoyed during festivals and special celebrations. The golden-yellow colour, the crunch of dry fruits and the burst of cardamom in every bite make it a truly royal dessert. It’s simple to make but looks and tastes festive perfect for when you want to serve something traditional and special.
It’s not overly sweet but every bite is full of flavour. You’ll taste the hints of saffron, cardamom and that refreshing watermelon juice soaked into the rice, light, aromatic and perfect for hot days—this is definitely a summer treat worth trying.
Watermelon Rice FAQs
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
You can use basmati, jasmine, or any white rice that’s not too sticky. Leftover rice also works great!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Is it a dessert or a meal?
It’s more of a light dessert or snack, but some enjoy it as a cooling side dish too.
Is watermelon rice kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually love the sweet, fruity taste
lets make it…
Watermelon Rice Dessert – Simple, Sweet, and So Good
2
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesSweet Watermelon Rice is inspired by the traditional Indian dessert Zarda Pulao which is usually made with nuts, sugar and rice. But this time I gave it a little twist I skipped the sugar and used maple syrup instead!
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Ingredients
1/2 cup 92.5 g basmati rice
1 cup 236.59 ml watermelon juice
1-2 tbsn 1-2 tbsn maple syrup
1/4 tspn 1/4 tspn cardamom powder
1 tbsn 1 tbsn ghee
1 tsbn 1 tsbn almonds
saffron
Directions
- First, soak basmati rice in water for 15–30 minutes. Then add the soaked rice and fresh watermelon juice to a pot.
- Cook on medium heat until the rice absorbs all the watermelon juice then reduce the heat to low cover the pot and let it cook for 10–12 minutes.
- Now in a pan on low heat add some ghee, watermelon rice along with almonds, maple syrup and saffron. Mix everything gently until well combined.
- Now add cardamom powder and gently mix it into the rice. Cover the pan and switch off the heat, let it sit for a few minutes so the flavours blend well.
- For a visual reference you can watch our video linked above.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or any nuts you like. Enjoy!
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2 Responses
I could not resist commenting. Perfectly written!
Thank you. But you still rated the recipe only 2 stars?