With the holy month of Ramadan, a time of prayers, charity, will power and fasting coming to an end, festivities around Eid al-Fitr are soaring high. Be it the fervor of the festival or the traditions associated with it, Eid is a special time for all, reaching its crescendo with a delectable, sumptuous feast.
And if you’re looking for dishes to savor and share this Eid al-Fitr, also known as “Mithi” or Sweet Eid for the wide array of sweets prepared, look no further! SEEMA recommends some favorite foods – some traditional, some with twists that are sure to brighten up your dining experience.
Kimami Sewaiyan
An Awadhi style dessert made with roasted vermicelli, milk, nuts, raisins, lotus seeds and khoya, kimami sewaiyan with its inherent richness and a slightly thicker consistency is one of the most popular desserts served during Eid – be it anytime during the day or at the dinner table. An absolute must!
Sheer Khurma
Persian for milk and dates, sheer khurma is another favorite for Eid in the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. A sweet sensation made of milk, dates, sugar and nuts, the preparation might vary from household to household, but the magic remains constant. Do give it a shot this Eid! Try our recipe for sheer khurma.
Zarda Pulao
Don’t worry about spending hours in the kitchen trying to make an exotic rice dish. Zarda pulao is as easy to conjure as it is irresistible to taste. “Zard” is Persian for yellow, and the sweet zarda pulao with all its aromatic spices and mava, ghee and nuts, is another treat not to be missed this Mithi Eid.
Awadhi Mutton Biryani
The word biryani, derived from the Persian words “birian,” which means fried before cooking, and “birinj,” meaning rice, is an iconic dish that never loses its luster. Cooked low and slow with succulent mutton, basmati rice and an array of traditional spices, this is a labor of love and technique that must not be missed. Pair it with a cool cucumber, onion and tomato raita or yogurt and let your senses take flight! Alternatively, prepare a delectable nizami subz biryani.
Badaam Qorma
Creamy and rich, this gravy with tender lamb cooked with almonds is best served with rice or any bread of choice. Doesn’t the mere thought of a dish so decadent set the taste buds rolling?
Peshawari Chapli Kebab
So soft they literally melt in your mouth. A spicy blend of minced mutton, onion, tomatoes these juicy kebabs are a party starter that will disappear before you can wink. So simple and easy to whip up, these are best served with a tangy yogurt and mint dip.
Haleem Khowsuey
Try something new this Eid! Inspired by the traditional Burmese Khowsuey, Haleem Khowsuey is the fusion dish you didn’t know you wanted. Boneless mutton cooked in aromatic spices and a mix of lentils, Haleem is a wholesome meal, best served with rice.
Nalli Nihari
A popular delicacy in the Indian subcontinent, nihari originates from the Arabic ‘nahar’ which means “morning.” Originally eaten by nawabs in the Mughal empire as a breakfast after their Islamic morning prayer of Fajr, Nalli nihari is a stew-based dish made by cooking meat along with bone marrow, and served with khameeri roti.
Seekh Kebab
Some dishes only get more beloved with time. Who can resist the temptations of a luscious seekh kebab? Made with either minced lamb or chicken and marinated in a host of spices and grilled on a tandoor for that charred flavor, these kebabs are the perfect appetizer for your Eid party. Serve with a dash of lemon and mint chutney and you have your winning dish, right there!
Murgh Mussallam
Medieval traveler Ibn Batuta describes murgh mussallam as Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s favorite dish. And not without good measure. Literally meaning “whole chicken,” try this egg stuffed dish this Eid for all its wholesome flavors and a whole slew of spices- saffron, cinnamon, cloves, poppy seeds, cardamom, and chili. Cooked dry or with a sauce and garnished with almonds and silver leaves, Murgh musallam is best had with rice or traditional breads.
