Eid al-Adha also referred to as Bakrid, holds immense significance in the Islamic calendar, drawing millions of Muslims together in celebration. This festival honours the devotion of Ibrahim (Abraham), who was prepared to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s command. Eid al-Adha is a period for deep spiritual reflection, devoted prayer, and acts of charity, accompanied by communal gatherings and abundant feasts.
During Eid al-Adha, the ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) is performed, where an animal is sacrificed and the meat is distributed among family, friends, and the needy. This act symbolises the values of sharing and caring that are central to the festival.
Feasting during Eid al-Adha includes an array of traditional dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the Muslim world. From succulent kebabs to aromatic biryanis and decadent desserts, the festive spread is a testament to the importance of food in bringing people together.
The celebrations typically begin with a special prayer, followed by a feast that includes dishes such as kebabs, haleem, kormas, biryanis, and sweet treats like sheer khurma and Seviyan. These delicious dishes are enjoyed by all, making the festival a time of great joy and togetherness.
Here are some exquisite picks from the popular Middle Eastern menu offered during Eid al-Adha celebrations. Let’s delve into the rich Islamic cuisine and add a few mouth-watering dishes to our list of must-haves for this festive occasion.
Middle Eastern Fattah
Fattah is a beloved Egyptian dish often prepared during grand celebrations, including Eid al-Adha. This splendid dish combines spiced, boiled beef or lamb generously scattered over a layer of rice and garnished with pita bread. The dish is then served with a tomato sauce infused with garlic, giving it a distinctive garlicky flavour. Traditionally enjoyed during special occasions, Fattah holds a place of honour in festive meals. It boasts multiple variations depending on the region, with the Egyptian and Levantine styles being the most famous.
Traditional Thareed Laham from UAE
Thareed Laham is another popular dish in Arabia, often enjoyed during the festive occasion of Eid al-Adha. This traditional dish, both light and wholesome, is a delightful part of the grand feasts that characterize the celebration. Thareed Laham consists of crispy flatbread drenched in a rich meat soup, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Mentioned in the hadith of Prophet Mohammad, it holds significant cultural and religious importance among Muslims. Thareed Laham can be made with lamb, chicken, beef, or vegetables, making it a versatile and beloved dish during Bakrid festivities.
Authentic Iraqi Kebab
None of the food arrangements for a grand feast on Eid al-Adha is complete without succulent and juicy kebabs. Iraqi Kebab is indeed an absolute delight. These kebabs are cooked with minced lamb meat and have equal proportions of lamb fat. Cooked over barbecue charcoal, with a mix of ground spices slathered on top, the Iraqi Kebab is an exceptional appetizer. Its robust flavour is drawn from the smokiness of charcoal. Once cooked, the outer part is crisp and juicy, while the inside is salty and fatty. They are appreciated all over the world for being heavenly flavorful. These kebabs work wonderfully as a starter before the main course buffet is laid out, adding a delicious beginning to the festive meal.
Jordanian Mansaf
Mansaf is another popular dish eaten all across Middle Eastern countries. Personified as the national dish of Jordan, Mansaf is extremely popular in Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. This dish is particularly served during special occasions such as marriages, Eid-e-Milad, and Eid al-Adha, in honour of a guest, and on certain national holidays. It is eaten in the Bedouin style, wherein people gather around the platter. The dish was initially prepared with camel or lamb meat slowly cooked in a meat broth and served with a side of shrak or markook—a kind of bread. It was not until the late 1920s that rice was incorporated and introduced into the dish. The introduction of sour fermented yoghurt to the dish is also a recent development.
The true essence of any festival is the coming together of people for the sake of love, peace, and joy. And what better way to connect than over good food. So during this festive season, let us rejoice and unite! Eid al-Adha!
And what’s Eid without Biryani!? So here are a few expert tips on preparing restaurant-style Biryani at home!