Rice with Dates Muhammar with Fish Gravy

dates

🥗Healthier: dried figs

💰Cheaper: raisins

Dried figs offer similar sweetness with fewer calories.

fish

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a cost-effective protein alternative.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: no herbs

Dried herbs are more accessible and last longer.

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Soak basmati rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

In a pot, heat butter over medium heat until melted.

Add cardamon pods and bayleaves, sauté for a minute.

Stir in the date syrup and unseeded dates, cooking until softened.

Add saffron, cardamon powder, cinnamon powder, and salt, stirring to combine.

Add soaked rice and stir to coat with the mixture.

Pour in water (enough to cook rice) and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Meanwhile, prepare the fish gravy by heating oil in a skillet.

Sauté chopped onion and tomato until soft.

Add tomato paste, tamarind syrup, seafood spices, cinnamon powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, and coriander powder, stirring until aromatic.

Add Zubaidi fish and cook until opaque, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in fresh coriander and dill leaves, then remove from heat.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: