Celebrating different communities and cultures – from the middle east we have some Eid specialities this weekend.
Whatever nationality or faith, it is good to experience those special events in the calendar which mean a lot for people of different faiths. People come together to enjoy food, break bread and share with one another. It is what we have all been taught from a young age.
Different cultures have similar values and whether you are a follower of Christianity, Judism, Islam, Hinduism or a Zen Buddist, bread is often the catalyst that binds us together through. From neolithic times hunter gatherers found they could make bread from cereals 12,000 years ago. In 300 BC the Romans made baking a profession, but the art of baking is a fundamental skill and one to share with your family and friends no-matter what religion you are.
Celebrating the end of Ramadan – Eid
With Easter just past, the next celebration on the calendar is the end of Ramadan, Eid. Lamb is popular at both festivals whether enjoyed for Easter Sunday lunch or Eid al-Adha. Before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, Allah provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. A lamb is considered a symbol of innocence, and generosity, and is often the meal of choice at the end of Ramadan.
Middle-eastern food and lamb recipes
Remember these slow cooked recipes are what they say – slow cooked.
Here is a link to Tom Kerridge's recipe for Middle-Eastern Slow-Cooked Lamb. It is easy to do and great for leftovers. Tom suggests it should be serviced with roasted onions, tahini yogurt, salad and flatbreads – but we recommend Mamoosh pittas! Which is just what you want if you have any leftovers.
https://www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk/recipes/tom-kerridge-middle-eastern-slow-cooked-lamb/
Another great recipe is from the Urban Farm and Kitchen. Shredded lamb goes a long way and is delicious with pilaff rice and pomegranate.
https://urbanfarmandkitchen.com/pulled-lamb-middle-eastern-slow-cooked-lamb/
Another of our family favourites is Lamb Shawarma with Mamoosh pitta, green tahini and tabbouleh. For slow-cooked lamb shawarma visit:
https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/meat-and-poultry/slow-cooked-lamb-shawarma/
And there are many other favourites from Apricot and Prunes Moroccan Lamb Tagine served with couscous; Turkish Lamb Gozleme in a Mamoosh Pitta or why not try marinated herb and garlic lamb chops served with Ezra’s Salsa, hummus, Schoug and chips?
Middle-Eastern Celebratory Treats from our Deli and Bakery, Newhaven.
Above is Basbousa a Middle Eastern dessert made from semolina, and don’t forget our Ma’amouls are a great small treat to have after dinner with fresh mint tea. The Ma’amouls are a delicious Middle Eastern sweet shortbread biscuit, filled with date paste. These crumbly, buttery textured biscuits are traditionally given as a gift at Eid and enjoyed as an after-dinner treat.
Our Syrian baker has also been busy and we have been trying his Ka'ak, sesame, anise and chilli - which are very tasty and similar to bread sticks. Ideal with dips and sharing with friends. He has also baked some basbousa and Moroccan biscuits!