Muhammar - Sweet Rice with Dates and Spices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 1 cup (200g) short-grain rice 1 cup (200g) short-grain rice
• 1 cup (200g) whole dates, pitted 1 cup (200g) whole dates, pitted
• 1 cup (200g) chopped dates 1 cup (200g) chopped dates
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ghee or clarified butter 1/4 cup (60ml) ghee or clarified butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1/4 cup (50g) slivered almonds, toasted (for garnish) 1/4 cup (50g) slivered almonds, toasted (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 75g, 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice and short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, melt the ghee over medium heat. Add the cinnamon and cardamom and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the spices and ghee.
4. 4.
   Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. 5.
   After 15 minutes, gently stir in the whole dates and chopped dates. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the rice is tender and the dates are soft.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. 7.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle the saffron water over the top. Mix gently to distribute the saffron evenly.
8. 8.
   Transfer the Muhammar to a serving dish and garnish with toasted slivered almonds.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Saudi Arabian delicacy.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Short-grain rice — Use short-grain rice to add a slightly sticky texture to the dish.
• Dates — Soak the chopped dates in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before adding to the rice.
• Saffron — Soak the saffron threads in warm water to release their vibrant color and aroma.
• Slivered almonds — Toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for a crunchy garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water with coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Serve Muhammar with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Experiment with different types of dates to discover your favorite flavor combination.
• Leftover Muhammar can be enjoyed cold as a delicious rice pudding.

Serving advice

Muhammar is traditionally served as a main course or as part of a festive meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken, and can be accompanied by a fresh salad or yogurt-based dip.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Muhammar, transfer it to a large serving platter and shape it into a dome using a mold or the back of a spoon. Garnish with additional toasted slivered almonds and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.