Eid al-Fitr is here. Hurry up and break that fast!

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the season of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, Muslims, the world over, break the fast with up to 3 days of feasting. Every year it comes on a different day depending on when the new moon rises. Similar to ascension day in the Christian religions, “Eid” (as it is often called) marks the arrival of Muhammad in Mecca. After a month abstaining from food from sunrise to sunset, daily, a large spread is in order.

The celebration consists of dozens of food items. Dishes are traditionally Middle Eastern with Indian style dishes, such as Korma, Byriani, and flat breads. Cumin, coriander, saffron, and a variety of nuts like pistachios and almonds are prominent in many of the dishes. Sheer Khurma is a sweetened cream pudding with vermicelli, dates, and saffron. Kimami Sewaiyan is a similar dish, but thicker, using lotus. Mutton is common in stews. And, flatbreads of various styles are a must. And, lets not forget seekh kebabs.

We could put up a dozen recipes. But, That could take a while to produce. Since the celebration is today, we will try to give you something you can put together for dinner. These aren’t 30 minute meals. So, we will share a recipe for Lemon Chicken Tagine. This is a classic North African one pot dish. After fasting for a month, you want to start with smaller amounts of food. Don’t overdo it. Your body needs to adjust. That is why the celebration is usually a 3 day affair. This dish has all the nutrients you need and packs a lot of flavor in one dish. You need to build your tolerance for food back up.

Eid Mubarak!