Holud Mishti Polao (Yellow Sweet Pulao)

Holud mishti polao or sweet yellow pulao is an authentic Bengali pulao/ rice preparation that goes very well with non-vegetarian items like chicken or mutton. It is a main course dish, and can be prepared very easily. When I wanted to make holud mishti pulao, I searched the net and came up with quite a few versions of recipe for the same. I took cue from all of them and cooked it my way, as follows:

Ingredients:

1. Fine Basmati Rice - 2 cups (serves 3-4)
2. Water- take exact measure as defined in your brand of Basmati packet. The amount generally varies from 2-2 1/2 cups of water per cup of rice.
3. Turmeric -1/2 tsp
4. Sugar - 7 -8 tsp
5. Whole Garam Masala - Cardamom, Cinnamon and Clove
6. Bay Leaves- 2
7. Cashew nuts- a handful
8. Raisins- a handful
9. Glazed cherries- cut into quarters for decoration
10. Ghee- 2-3 tbsp
11. A pinch of Salt
12. Nutmeg and Mace powder- a pinch

Procedure:

1. Wash well the Basmati rice. Mix turmeric powder and sugar to the washed rice and keep aside for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat ghee in a heavy bottomed pan. When the fragrance comes out, add the whole garam masala. Fry until the aroma spreads.
3. Add the cashew nuts and raisins and fry until brown.
4. Add the turmeric and sugar smeared rice, and exact amount of water as directed in your brand of Basmati rice.
5. Add a pinch of salt.
6. Cover and cook on medium flame until the water is soaked completely /rice is cooked. 
7. Sprinkle the mace and nutmeg powders and decorate with glazed cherries.
8. Serve hot with your a Bengali chicken or mutton preparation.