Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion filled with family gatherings and delicious feasts. Traditional recipes add warmth and nostalgia to the celebrations. Here are some must-try recipes for a perfect Eid feast.
1. Sheer Khurma (Sweet Vermicelli Milk Dessert)
Ingredients:
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• ½ cup vermicelli (broken)
• half cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 5-6 dates (chopped)
• two tbsp ghee
• 10-12 almonds and pistachios (sliced)
• 2 tbsp raisins
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• one tbsp chironji (optional)
• A pinch of saffron
Instructions:
First of all, heat ghee in a pan and roast the vermicelli until it turns golden brown. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the milk to a boil and add the chopped dates. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully add the roasted vermicelli, sugar, and cardamom powder, stirring continuously until the vermicelli softens. Then, towards the end, stir in the nuts, raisins, and saffron, allowing the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes. Finally, remove from heat and serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
2. Mutton Korma
Ingredients:
• ½ kg mutton (or chicken)
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 1 cup yogurt
• one tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• one tsp garam masala
• half tsp cardamom powder
• ½ cup oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
To begin with, heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them and grind them into a smooth paste. Meanwhile, in the same oil, add the ginger-garlic paste and mutton, stirring well until the meat changes color. Then, gradually add the yogurt, onion paste, spices, and salt, making sure to mix everything thoroughly. Continue cooking until the oil separates from the mixture. After that, pour in 1 cup of water, cover, and let it simmer on low heat until the meat becomes tender. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with naan for a delicious meal.
3. Chicken Biryani
Ingredients:
• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• ½ kg chicken
• 2 onions (sliced)
• two tomatoes (chopped)
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• one tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp saffron (soaked in milk)
• half cup oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves
Instructions:
First, heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until they turn golden brown. At the same time, prepare the chicken by adding ginger-garlic paste and cooking it until it is browned. Next, add the tomatoes, yogurt, and spices, mixing everything thoroughly so that the flavors blend well. Continue cooking until the oil separates from the mixture. After that, in a separate pot, boil the rice with salt and drain it when it is about 80% cooked. Then, begin layering the rice and chicken in a deep pot, ensuring an even distribution. Afterward, drizzle saffron milk over the top and garnish with fresh coriander and mint for added aroma. Finally, cover the pot tightly and let it steam for 15 minutes on low heat. Once done, serve hot and enjoy with raita.
4. Shami Kebabs
Ingredients:
• ½ kg minced meat (beef or chicken)
• half cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• one tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• Fresh coriander
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying
Instructions:
To start, boil the minced meat with chana dal, spices, and 1 cup of water until it becomes soft. Meanwhile, stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the mixture has softened, blend it into a thick paste, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed consistency. After that, transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix in the chopped green chilies, fresh coriander, and egg, making sure everything is well incorporated. Then, shape the mixture into small, round patties and shallow-fry them in hot oil until they turn golden brown on both sides. Finally, drain the kebabs on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot with mint chutney for flavorful Eid recipes.
These traditional Eid recipes will bring joy to your family gatherings. Enjoy the celebrations and Eid Mubarak!