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Biryanis, kebabs, haleem, and indulgent sweets like sheer khurma and baklava are all examples of foods cooked with sophisticated recipes and rich flavours. They not only entice the taste buds but also recall fond memories, cultural customs, and a sense of sharing and thanking. Sharing these special delicacies with family, friends, and neighbours deepens links of love and fosters a sense of community on this momentous day.
1. Zarda Pulao:
Zarda Pulao is a delicately prepared rice meal that is mixed with a bunch of tasty spices. It is a mixture of fragrant basmati rice that is a bit sweet and savoury when cooked in ghee, saffron, and a combination of fruits and nuts, such as almonds, cashews, raisins and others. This meal is considerably significant during Eid and symbolises the ideas of sweetness, happiness, and abundance. Kebabs and saucy meat gravies being the usual companions, Zarda Pulao has the essence that adds sweetness to the feast and brings a nice blend of flavours together.
Video Credit: YouTube/ Hebbars kitchen
2. Mutton Korma:
Mutton Korma is a prominent dish for Eid dinners that is seen as representing the festival of celebration and the course of traditions. It is full of flavour due to the spice combinations like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon with yoghurt or cashew cream sauce. Traditionally, Gosht Korma goes with aromatic Basmati rice or Naan, which adds to the richness of taste and is a must-have of festive dishes.
3. Mutton Kaleji:
Mutton kaleji, or lamb liver, is a popular delicacy offered at Eid dinners. When properly cooked with spices like red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala powder, it has a rich flavour and a soft texture. Ginger, garlic paste, tomatoes, green chillies and chopped onions add depth of flavour. Mutton kaleji is typically served with aromatic basmati rice, or naan and a side of mint chutney or yoghurt raita. Its savoury and succulent flavour makes it a favourite among meat eaters, making it a delightful and full addition to the Eid dinner buffet.
4. Sheer Khurma:
Sheer Khurma, the dessert that is offered during Eid feasts, is a dairy delicacy prepared with sweetened vermicelli cooked in hot milk. Extras such as cardamom, saffron, almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts are added to the hot milk to enhance the taste. The taste is deliciously sweet and aromatic. Sheer Khurma is a permanent dish of this festival and is traditionally given as a dessert after the main meal.
5. Nihari:
Nihari is a slow-cooked stew originating from the Mughal cuisine of the Indian subcontinent. It is a melt-in-your-mouth dish made primarily with slow-cooked beef or mutton , or sometimes trotters or bone marrow as well. Common spices include ginger, garlic, onions, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and sometimes even saffron. The meat is cleaned and marinated overnight in yoghurt, spices, and sometimes lemon juice, allowing the flavours to penetrate deeply.
The marinated meat is then slow-cooked on low heat, often in a sealed pot or pressure cooker, for several hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone. This slow cooking process allows the collagen in the meat to break down, contributing to the richness of the gravy. For many communities, sharing a meal of Nihari during Eid is a tradition that brings families and friends together to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. It can be served with naan, roti or pulao and steamed rice.
6. Haleem:
It is among the favourite delicacies served at all Muslim households on the divine occasion of Eid. It is a slightly thick soup made with a basic trinity of lentils, meat (beef or mutton) and wheat, uncovered with spices like garlic, coriander, cumin, etc. Slow-cooking infuses a rich, thick and incredible amount of volume with a subtle and high-contrast flavour. Eid ends the months of Ramadan and therefore, it is important for Haleem to share these emotions of charity, communal sharing and a sense of unity. It is often savoured on its own as a hearty dish or served with naan bread and fried onions, fresh coriander and a splash of lemon juice.
7. Mutton Biryani:
Mutton Biryani is a traditional dish eaten at Eid meals, known for its delicious taste and cultural importance. This aromatic dish consists of soft mutton pieces marinated in tasty spices, mixed with fragrant basmati rice, caramelised onions, and fresh herbs such as mint and coriander. The biryani is prepared using traditional methods to enhance its rich flavours and soft texture. It is frequently served with accompaniments such as raita (yoghurt dip), salad, and pickles, resulting in a nutritious and sumptuous feast enjoyed by families and loved ones during the joyful Eid celebrations.
8. Baklava:
Baklava is a popular dessert at Eid meals, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It tastes delicious, with crispy layers of phyllo pastry sweetened with a thick syrup laced with honey and nuts (usually almonds, walnuts, or pistachios). Baklava is typically served with a sprinkling of ground pistachios or a serving of vanilla ice cream, which adds a touch of luxury to the holiday dinner.
