‘Shahi Jorda’ is a traditional dessert originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly popular in regions like Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. It is often served during special occasions and festivals, including Eid al-Fitr. ‘Shahi’ translates to ‘royal’ in English, indicating the dish’s luxurious and regal nature. The name suggests that it was once served in the royal courts of ancient India, highlighting its historical significance and opulent ingredients.
Shahi Jorda is celebrated for its delightful combination of sweetness, fragrance, and texture, making it a cherished part of festive celebrations and special gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Rice: 2 cups
- Water: 4 cups
- Sugar: 2 1/2 cups
- Ghee: 4 tablespoons
- Cardamom: 4 pods
- Cinnamon: 4 small pieces
- Morobba (preserved fruit, such as quince or apple): as needed
- Almonds: 4 tablespoons, chopped
- Malta juice: 1/4 cup
- Zest: 1/2 teaspoon
- Jorda color (saffron or food coloring): as needed
Method:
- Prepare the Rice: Begin by soaking the rice in water for fifteen minutes. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice, along with cardamom pods, cinnamon pieces, ghee, and jorda color, to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it is tender and done.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a separate pan, mix sugar with a little water and heat over medium heat until it forms a thick syrup. Once the sugar syrup reaches the desired consistency, add the cooked rice to it.
- Enhance Flavor: To the rice and sugar mixture, add raisins, chopped almonds, and morobba, stirring gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Cover the pan and let the Shahi Jorda simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb the sweetness of the syrup.
- Infuse with Citrus: Before removing from heat, add the juice and zest of malta (a type of citrus fruit) to the Shahi Jorda, along with a drizzle of ghee for added richness.
- Serve with Sweet Accompaniments: Shahi Jorda is traditionally served alongside small gulab jamun sweets, complementing its richness with the perfect balance of sweetness.
