Eid-ul- Fitr Recipes and Celebration

Ramadan is AKA Ramadhan or Ramazan. During Ramazan, Muslims go on strict fasting. They participate in pious activities such as peace making and donating. However, at the end of fasting period, Muslims throughout the world celebrate the festival called Eid-ul-Fitr. It is known as the Festival of Breaking the fast. And as I always add that any festival is incomplete without delicious food, I have highlighted the best of Traditional Muslim Food. Though Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated worldwide, different places have different blend of spices and flavors, let’s see how.

South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) - The flavors from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are blended together to produce three fabulous dishes on Eid. These are Haleem, Biryani and Sevai Kheer. 

Sevai Kheer - A fine dessert that is a must for Id-ul-Fitr is Sheer Kurma or Semiya Payasam or simply Sevai. It is made up of vermicelli, sugar, milk, condensed milk, clarified butter, almonds, cashew nuts, saffron strands and kewra essence (flower essence). I personally love this recipe. 

Haleem - Haleem is a popular recipe that is served widely on Indo-Pak celebrations especially on Eid. Grains like lentils and bulgur are blended and cooked slowly with meat. The bones are removed lately from the recipe. But the value of the recipe is doubled since it is cooked in goodness of bones, what a delightful affair! Chicken Haleem and Lamb Haleem are very popular in this region. 

Biryani - Biryani is a rice dish that originated from Persia. Hope you liked my post, “Love for Indian Meat recipes”. Biryani takes lot of time to make and more time spent implies the tastier fest, isn't it? Biryani is made up of beef, chicken or lamb and Asian spices, strongly dominate the delights.

Middle East - One of the most popular food eaten in Middle Eastern countries is meat skewers (any meat especially lamb and beef). These are locally called kabobs. Meat patties is equally famous food here. These are made of minced meat accompanied by strong flavor of mint and pepper. These are pan-fried or grilled. The roasted spices make an excellent coating when added onto meat. The smoky spices give the best flavors out here. 

 

USA - All-American Whole Roasted Chicken with Cranberries over Rice forms major dish here. Saffron Road Artisan Roasted Chicken Broth is used to cook the rice and add to the chicken while roasting. The sweet flavor rice and not too much spicy chicken, completely satisfies the taste buds. Since cranberries are grown in abundance in US, they add ultimate flavor to almost any food especially rice, on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Wish you a very Happy Eid-ul- Fitr!!

Eggplant Wrapped Mushrooms - Vegan Recipe

Have a look at an interesting vegan recipe. Since the Barbeque CookingCompetition is approaching in Panama, I wanted to share this vegan recipe of mine with my folks. Though non vegetarian skewers are heart of any party, vegan delights will equally add to the mood and that is for sure. This is a healthy treat as I have used Organic Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce and the best of oil, olive oil.

Organic Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce is made up of whole soybeans and no wheat at all. It has richer and milder taste compared to the ordinary soya sauce. King oyster mushrooms are really yummy and have proved to be great antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin C, B1 and B2. They have good amount of zinc, iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Olive oil prevents deadly diseases like cancer and cardiac arrest. It is helpful if one is suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes or stress. Have a look at this vegan delight!!

Ingredients

For Eggplant Marinade:-

1 sliced eggplant,

1/4 cups olive oil,

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar,

2 tablespoons brown sugar,

2 teaspoons smoked paprika,

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin,

2 cloves garlic minced.

2 tablespoons organic tamari gluten free soy sauce,

For the King Oyster Mushroom:-

3 King Oyster Mushrooms sliced,

2 tablespoons olive oil,

2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce,

1 teaspoon agave or brown sugar,

1/4  teaspoon garlic  powder,

1/4 teaspoon onion powder.

Preparation Method:-

1. Mix all the ingredients (under eggplant marinade) except the eggplant until well blended in a flat baking dish.

2. Lay the eggplant slices in the marinade for about 10 minutes. Turning to coat both sides. Grill the eggplant either on the grill or a grill pan.

3. Mix all the ingredients (under King Oyster Mushroom) except the mushrooms in a large bowl. Toss in the mushrooms and allow to marinate for 15 minutes.

4. Turn them to coat, especially the top flat ends. Add just a hint of oil to a skillet and heat to medium high.

5. Place the mushrooms in the skillet flat sides down. Sear about a minute and a half on each side. Keep a watch on them so that they don’t burn.

6. Wrap a slice of grilled eggplant around each seared mushroom and place a toothpick in the side center to hold the eggplant in place.

Best of Luck for the competition!!