Muhammar

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain it.
2. Heat the water with the crushed cardamom pods and a little salt in a saucepan.
3. Add the rice, bring to a boil and cook for 12 minutes over medium heat until almost tender.
4. Add the sugar and the saffron infused in a spoonful of hot water, then stir gently.
5. Stir in the butter in small pieces and cook covered for 10 minutes over very low heat.
6. Add the chopped dates and the rose water, then let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes.
7. Spread the rice on a serving dish and sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
8. Serve warm or cold, optionally with plain yogurt.