Ingredients

• 1 cup - basmati (long grain) rice
• 1 cup - sugar
• Ghee -1/2 cup
• 2 cloves
• 1.25 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cardamoms
• 8-10 pistachios
• 8-10 almonds
• 15-20 raisins
• few drops saffron color
• 6 cups water approx.

How to Make Beenaj

• Blanch (optional) almonds and pistas and cut into thin slivers.
• Wash and soak rice for 10 minutes.
• Put water to boil; add rice and cook till 3/4 done.
• It is done when grain gets mashed between fingers.
• Drain out all water. Cool in a large plate.
• Add sugar and mix gently till well blended.
• Heat ghee. Add cloves, cinnamon and cardamom.
• Add rice, and toss gently with spatula.
• Dilute the food colouring in a 1/2 cup of water and sprinkle over rice.
• When well mixed, cover and simmer till all moisture evaporates.
• Garnish with pista and almonds.
• Serve hot.