Zarda (Sweet Orange Rice)

1 cup Basmati rice
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon food color
4 1/2 cusp water
2 tablespoons ghee
2 cinnamon sticks
Cardamom
1/2 teaspoon rosewater essence
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup cashews nuts, chopped

Bring 4 cups water to boil in a saucepan. Add food color. Add rice to boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes or until rice is cooked. Drain rice in a colander.

Heat butter in a saucepan. Add water, sugar, cinnamon sticks and cardamom and cook for 3 minutes. Add cooked rice and rose water essence. Mix together and bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cottage cheese and nuts.

Serve hot or cold as a dessert.