This is a traditional Pakistani sweet dish which is served at many occasions.

4 cups uncooked white rice
1/4 teaspoon orange food coloring
10 pods whole cardamom *
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon raisins
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon chopped almonds
2 teaspoons grated orange zest

• Place the rice in a bowl with water to cover and soak one hour.
• Bring a large pot of water to boil with food color and half the cardamom pods. Stir in the rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, 20 minutes.
• In a large skillet over low heat, cook remaining cardamom pods in oil 2 minutes. Stir in cooked, drained rice, and sugar. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in cream, raisins, walnuts, almonds and orange zest. Serve warm.
• Makes 8 servings

  *May substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon and add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.