Muhammar (Bahraini Sweet Rice with Fried Fish)
Local name: محمر
In short: Brown sweet rice cooked with date syrup, cardamom and rose water, served beside crisp fried fish in a lightly spiced coating. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 700 kcal
Muhammar is the Bahraini rice that surprises visitors, because it is sweet. Date syrup or sugar goes into the pot with cardamom and rose water, turning the grains a soft brown, and the rice is served with crisp fried fish. The mix of sweet rice and salty, lemony fish is a classic, often eaten on Fridays and for celebrations. A hot tomato sauce on the side balances the sweetness.
Instructions
- Mix the lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper and rub it over the fish. Marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the cardamom and cinnamon for 30 seconds, then the drained rice. Stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the date syrup, sugar and salt, then add the water and saffron. Boil uncovered until the liquid is level with the rice, about 6 minutes.
- Cover tightly and cook on the lowest heat for 15 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with the rose water and fluff gently.
- Dust the fish lightly with the rice flour. Heat the frying oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the fish for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and the flesh turns opaque and flakes at the thickest part (63°C / 145°F). Drain on paper towels.
- Serve the fish with the sweet rice, lemon wedges and the tomato chili sauce.
Tips
- Add the date syrup in two stages if you prefer less sweetness, tasting the water before the lid goes on. The rice should be lightly sweet rather than dessert-like.
- Rice flour gives a crisp, gluten-free coating. Large whole fish can be baked at 220°C (425°F) for 25 minutes instead of fried.
Questions and answers
Why is muhammar sweet?
It is a traditional Bahraini combination. The sweet rice is meant to be eaten with salty, tart fried fish and a hot sauce, so each bite balances.
What fish is best for muhammar?
Local cooks use safi (rabbitfish). Sea bream, sea bass or any firm white fish work well.
Can I use sugar instead of date syrup?
Yes. Use 3 tablespoons of sugar, but the date syrup gives the rice its brown color and a deeper flavor.
How long does it take to make Muhammar (Bahraini Sweet Rice with Fried Fish)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Muhammar (Bahraini Sweet Rice with Fried Fish)?
About 700 kcal per serving, with 35 g of protein, 100 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 700 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 100 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
