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Muhammar | Traditional Rice Dish From Bahrain, Arabian Peninsula | TasteAtlas

Muhammar

One of the most famous dishes from Bahrain, muhammar is a traditionally prepared sweet rice dish, usually accompanying grilled and fried fish or a roast leg of lamb on festive occasions. Just be careful not to confuse it with the similarly named muhammara, which is a Syrian red pepper and walnut dip.


Originally, it was made by pearl divers from the region, when they sweetened the rice with date syrup called dibs, as a means of restoring their energy and as an alternative to sugar. Today, honey or caramelized sugar syrup can be used instead of the date syrup.


The rice is parboiled and steamed, but can also be fried in butter to form a crusty layer at the bottom, making it slightly more flavorful. It is additionally flavored with a selection of spices, usually saffron, cardamom, cloves, and rose water.


The sweetness of the rice perfectly contrasts the fish flavors, usually rubbed with a local spice mix of ginger, turmeric, chili, onions, lemon, and garlic. Paired with a drizzle of lemon juice and rocket salad on the side, it is a divine combination of flavors.