Traditional Bahraini Muhammar Sweet Rice Dish

Delight your senses with Traditional Bahraini Muhammar, a luscious sweet rice dish that embodies the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. This aromatic recipe features fluffy basmati rice infused with the natural sweetness of date syrup, enhanced by a warm blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and a hint of rosewater for a fragrant finish. Cooked with butter or ghee for a rich texture, this dish balances comforting sweetness with subtle spice. Garnished with sliced almonds or pistachios for added crunch, Muhammar is the perfect accompaniment to savory grilled or fried fish, or can be savored on its own for a satisfying dessert. Ready in just 40 minutes, this authentic Bahraini culinary gem is both simple to prepare and irresistibly flavorful, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or an indulgent family meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 cups Date syrup
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon Rosewater
• 2 tablespoons Sliced almonds or pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked. Drain any excess water if needed.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the partially cooked rice back. Stir in the date syrup, sugar, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sweet and spiced mixture.

Step 4

Add the butter or ghee to the pot. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam. Reduce the heat to very low and cook for an additional 15-18 minutes, allowing the rice to fully absorb the flavors and cook through without burning.

Step 5

Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the rosewater gently for a fragrant finish.

Step 6

Serve the Muhammar warm, garnished with sliced almonds or pistachios, if desired. It pairs wonderfully with grilled or fried fish, or can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1528.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1110.3

Total Fat 32.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 1221.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g	0%
Total Sugars 82.0g
Protein 17.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0.8IU	0%
Calcium 201.6mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 758.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.7%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 68.1%