The blessed month of Ramzan also brings in its trail a culinary feast. To begin with, dates, a source of natural fibre, are an essential item in any Muslim household. Called crown of sweets, a few dates are known to appease the feeling of hunger. Dates, milk, bread, butter and fish formed the regular diet of Arabs. The importance of dates and date palms have been mentioned 20 times in the holy book. Numerous suggestions of figs and olives are made in the Islamic scriptures too. And Muslims the world over are expected to consume only halal food (that which is permissible).
Variety marks the festive cuisine, which is a blend of grandma’s recipes and innovative dishes.
A look at the Eid-Al-Fitr spread:
On the day of Eid, varieties of biryanis are prepared and shared with friends and relatives. Made of meat and rice, mutton biryani is served with raita, salad, brinjal chutney and other homemade dressings. Recipes vary from region to region and some prepare chicken biryani, turkey biryani, fish biryani, prawn biryani and vegetable biryani. Preferred side dishes are mutton sheek kabab, tandoori chicken, grilled chicken and a platter of sea foods. Not to forget there are also some simple and speedy egg dishes that go well with rotis and chappatis.
Vegetables form an important part in non-vegetarian delicacies. Methi chicken, grilled fish with cauliflower and Spinach prawn pulao are some such combos.
Predominant dish
The predominant sweet dish is the sheer khurma (milky dish of vermicelli topped with dry fruits). Rumali seviyan is an ancillary vermicelli item equally delicious. Falooda, khubani ka meetha, naan and phirni, khaddu ki kheer, double ka meeta, mango dessert and caramel custard are other nourishing dairy products prepared. Exotic sweets apart, the regulars like gulab jamun, rasgulla, chocolate burfi, kaju katli, carrot halwa, basundi and rasmalai find their way to the dining table. Few snacks and traditional savouries such as samosas, chicken pakodas, fish fingers, chicken barbeque, kheema lukhmi, cutlets, chicken rolls merit a place in the day’s menu.
To cater to the present generation there are mothers making pizzas with homemade pizza base. Nutritious or not nutritious, all these delicacies are consumed with relish.
