Khichda To Kheer: 7 Dishes To Try On Muharram

During the solemn period of Muharram, while food isn’t exactly celebratory, it takes on symbolic and communal importance, reflecting values of remembrance, unity, and empathy. Food prepared during Muharram serves a practical purpose too. It is often simple yet nourishing, emphasising humility and solidarity rather than extravagance, unlike dishes prepared for festivals such as Eid. 

Families and communities gather to cook and share meals as a gesture of charity and togetherness. The act of preparing and distributing food fosters a sense of community. Certain ingredients and cooking methods hold particular significance. For instance, dishes may incorporate ingredients such as wheat, lentils, and meat, reflecting the dietary staples of the time and region of Karbala. These ingredients provide energy to sustain and also symbolise the endurance and strength of those who endured hardship.

Video Credit: Cooking With Benazir

Moreover, the communal aspect of food during Muharram extends beyond immediate families to include neighbours and those in need. Charity in the form of distributing food is a common practice, especially during times of reflection and mourning.

Also Read: Haleem in Hyderabad: History, Types, and 5 Must-Visit Spots

Here are seven traditional dishes commonly prepared during Muharram. They are prepared and shared in a spirit of community and remembrance, honouring the traditions and sacrifices of the past and bringing people together through the act of cooking and sharing food.

Haleem

Haleem is a rich and hearty stew made from a mixture of wheat, barley, lentils, and meat (usually mutton). It is slow-cooked for several hours, allowing the grains and meat to come together in a thick, flavourful porridge. Spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala add depth to the dish. Haleem is often garnished with fried onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon.

Nihari

Nihari is a slow-cooked stew originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is typically made with beef or lamb shank, which is simmered overnight with a blend of spices including ginger, garlic, and garam masala. The result is a deeply flavoured, tender meat dish with a rich, spicy gravy. Nihari is often served with naan or other flatbreads.

Kheer

Kheer is a traditional South Asian rice pudding made by simmering rice with milk and sugar, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes rose water. Nuts like almonds and pistachios, as well as dried fruits like raisins, are often added for extra richness and texture. Kheer is served chilled or at room temperature and is a popular dessert during Muharram.

Mutton Khichda

Mutton Khichda is a hearty and wholesome dish that combines tender pieces of mutton with a variety of lentils, broken wheat (daliya), and aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and flavourful one-pot meal. The tender mutton pieces complement the creamy consistency of lentils and broken wheat and the spices add depth and warmth to the dish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. It is garnished with fresh cilantro and mint leaves and often accompanied by lemon wedges, fried onions, and sometimes yoghurt or pickle on the side. 

Doodh Ka Sherbet

Doodh Ka Sherbet or Almond Sherbet is a refreshing drink made from ground almonds, milk, sugar, and cardamom. This cooling beverage is often prepared during Muharram to serve to guests and at communal gatherings. The almonds provide a rich, creamy texture, and the cardamom adds a fragrant aroma, making it a perfect drink for the occasion.

Zarda

Zarda is a traditional sweet rice dish made with saffron, sugar, and ghee, giving it a vibrant yellow colour and rich flavour. It is often garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, as well as raisins and sometimes coconut flakes. Zarda is a popular dessert served during Muharram and other festive occasions.

Seviyan

Seviyan, also known as vermicelli pudding, is a sweet dish made by roasting vermicelli noodles in ghee and then simmering them with milk, sugar, and cardamom. It's often garnished with chopped nuts and dried fruits. Seviyan is a common dessert during Muharram, symbolising the sweetness of faith and the remembrance of Imam Hussain's sacrifice. It is also made during Eid.