Eid Mubarak, Victoria!
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world are celebrating the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast”, and as the name suggests, marks the end of a month of fasting for 1.8 billion Muslim people around the world.
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“As traditional prayers, food and well-wishes are exchanged, the universal values of unity, charity and peace are also celebrated on Eid al-Fitr,” said BC Premier John Horgan in a statement.
“On behalf of every British Columbian, I wish all those who observed this holy month a joyous end of Ramadan.”
Besides being the equivalent of Christmas for Muslims, one of the main aspects of Eid is food – and lots of it!
This Eid, you too can fill your home with the aromatic scents and spice-filled flavours of Asian/Middle Eastern/East African cuisine thanks to one local company that blends just the right kinds and amounts of spices in one convenient package.
From the Earth Vancouver Island offers a variety of organic spice blends to use for a delicious, home cooked meal.
Here are 3 recipes for you to use this Eid al-Fitr
1. Biryani
This traditional rice-based dish has various versions and iterations, and can be made with any type of meat, seafood, vegetables, or a combo depending on your preferences.
While biryani is an all-time favourite for many who are familiar with it, the variety of ingredients and amount of time it takes to make can often be a deterrent.
From the Earth has a biryani spice mix that combines a whopping 23 ingredients including whole cumin, star anise, bay leaf, garam masala, turmeric and more.
Here’s how to make it:
- Par boil two cups rice and set aside.
- In a large pot stir fry 1 sliced medium onion until light brown.
- Add ½ cup diced tomatoes and Biryani packet contents.
- Stir fry for 5 minutes, adding water as required.
- Add choice of protein, seafood and/or vegetables.
- Saute until cooked, adding water as required.
- Once protein and/or vegetables are cooked approximately 1 cup gravy must remain in pot.
- Add a layer of ½ cup chopped cilantro and mint leaves.
- As final layer add par-boiled rice.
- Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot
2. Coconut curry
This sweet yet spicy flavour spans several cultures and cuisines, and almost always finds itself among the host of dishes at any Eid celebration.
As with biryani, it can be used with any protein, seafood, or vegetable depending on your preferences.
Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients
3 tbsp From the Earth curry powder
1 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1/2 tsp ginger paste
4 curry leaves
1 can coconut milk
Lemon and salt to taste
2 dried chillies - Method:
- Make a paste with curry powder, tomato paste, garlic, ginger, lemon and salt.
- In a pot heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add curry leaves and cover for a minute or so.
- Add paste and fry for a one to two minutes until oil comes to top.
- Add a few spoons of water if necessary. Add chicken or fish and stir fry. Add enough water to cook.
- Once cooked, add coconut milk. Bring to boil. then smmer for a minute.
- Serve with rice or naan.
3. Kheer – Rice Pudding
Can’t forget about dessert!
For a sweet treat to end your Eid al-Fitr feast, all you need is 15 minutes to make this classic rice pudding dish called Kheer.
Here’s how to make it:
- Add contents of From the Earth Rice Pudding packet to your choice of milk – dairy or plant based – 1 to 1 ½ cups.
- Cook on medium flame stirring frequently for 10 to 15 minutes or until desired consistency.
- Serve warm or cold.
Where to find the spice blends
You can find the traditional spice blends (and dessert mixes) mentioned in this article and more at the following locations:
- Lifestyle Markets – 2950 Douglas St
- Peppers Grocer – 3829 Cadboro Bay Rd
- Market On Yates – 903 Yates St
- The West Coast Pantry (inside Victoria Public Market) – 1701 Douglas St
Happy feasting!
