Andorran-style Sweet Rice with Nuts and Spices

Ingredients

In this Andorran adaptation of Muhammar, we have incorporated the traditional flavors and ingredients of Andorran cuisine. While the original Saudi Arabian Muhammar uses dates and ghee, our Andorran-style sweet rice recipe replaces them with honey and olive oil, respectively. Additionally, we have added toasted almonds and pistachios to enhance the nutty flavor profile, which is a characteristic of Andorran cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Muhammar, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (75g) slivered almonds, toasted 1/2 cup (75g) slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup (35g) shelled pistachios, toasted 1/4 cup (35g) shelled pistachios, toasted
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cook until it is tender but still slightly firm. Drain the rice and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and saffron threads. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked rice to the pot and stir gently to coat it with the spices and oil.
5. 5.
   Drizzle the honey over the rice and season with salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the cinnamon stick.
9. 9.
   Serve the Andorran-style sweet rice garnished with toasted almonds and pistachios.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
• Pistachios — Toast the shelled pistachios in the same way as the almonds, ensuring they are evenly toasted for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can infuse the water used to cook the rice with a cinnamon stick and cardamom pods.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• To make the dish more festive, garnish with a sprinkle of edible rose petals.

Serving advice

Serve the Andorran-style sweet rice as a main dish or as a side to complement a variety of Andorran or Middle Eastern-inspired meals. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a sweet ending to a meal.

Presentation advice

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure a light and fluffy texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and pistachios for an attractive presentation. Serve in a decorative dish or on a platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.