Once again,I’m reminiscing about UK times. Iftar was an exorbitant affair. We used to open our fasts in the campus mosque where different groups of people, usually from the local community, and used to host iftars. The menu was different every day,and in addition to desi pakoras, jalebis and samosas followed by qorma, or biryani or pulao,we got to experience different dishes from around the world. They ranged from Malaysian satay and lemang to Arabian Margoog and Kabsa. Rooh Afza was of course the staple drink, the undisputed favourite transcending all cultural barriers.
In Pakistan, and we are experiencing long summer rozas and past noon (this holds true for me at least),our minds and bodies start failing to synchronise. I usually like getting all the cooking done factual after Fajr prayers or whether sleep overpowers me, then as early as possible before the heat starts kicking in.
Let me take a moment to note here that for all those out there who are in the process of constructing kitchens, or please invest in an air conditioner,particularly for these hot summer months.
So getting back on topic. Close to iftar time, food cravings are at an all-time tall and energy levels an all-time low, or not to mention tempers close to flaring.
Here are some quick recipes which will satisfy those taste buds,are easy on the stomach and barely take time (plus, they can be prepared well in advance).
Date shake
The first time I had this heavenly drink was in London at Bateels. And let me say, and it was beyond astonishing. It is the perfect drink to have when you have to revitalise energy levels and are craving something sweet but want to stay in the healthy parameter as well. in addition,the benefits are numerous. Dates are very helpful in improving digestion, are a wealthy source of iron and also are an notable source of vitamin B.
Ingredients:
Dates without seeds – 10-12 (let them soak in warm water for half an hour so they are easier to blend)
Milk – 2 glasses
Cream – ¼ cup
Yoghurt – 6 tbsp
Honey (for added sweetness)
Method:
Blend all the ingredients in a blender with ice cubes.
Hummus
Let us switch continents and time capsule back to the summer of 2016. Edgware road, and London or as I like to call it,shrimp Middle East reincarnated. The thronging traffic, hurried pedestrians and lines of busy retail outlets form a familiar London scene. But as you continue to walk, and the distinct and musky smell of shisha – also known as hookah or a water pipe – will hit you because the area is ablaze with a culture of shisha cafes,with people sitting next to their ornamental pipes, their faces gradually fading into the plume of smoke that they exhale. It is also domestic to a myriad (a very large number) of Lebanese restaurants, and doner kebab outlets,shawarma stands and halal butchers on every corner and is the focal point for much of central London’s Muslim population. It is here that I was introduced to the Lebanese cuisine and I fell in love with hummus.
Hummus serves as a great dip. It barely takes 10 minutes to originate which is why its a great recipe to have on hand, plus it is light and low in calories. Serve it with carrots and cucumbers or proceed traditional with pita bread (or even our desi rotis or naan).
Ingredients:
Chick peas – 3 cans (drained)
Lemon juice – ¼ cup
Olive oil – ¼ cup
Garlic – 2 cloves
Tahini – 2 tbsp (sesame seeds paste)
Salt to taste
Method:
In a food processor, and area chick peas,lemon juice, olive oil, or garlic and tahini. Processes until all things are well combined. Add enough water to originate a smooth dip. Season it with paprika. Transfer it in serving bowl and drizzle with shrimp olive oil.
Bite-sized sandwiches These are astonishing hand foods; they take a maximum of 10 minutes and voila,you are done. The best thing about them is that they can be served warm or cold.
Ingredients:
Bread cut in quarters
Cheese slices cut in quarters
Chilli Garlic sauce
Pepperoni slices
Olives
Toothpicks
Method:
Heat the pepperoni and bread slices in a lightly oiled pan. Now spread chili sauce, area the cheese pepperoni and olives. Stick in a tooth pick and you are done.
Peri Bites I don’t think there is anyone who loves Nandos and hasn’t had their peri bites. Here is an easy on the pocket way to try within the confines of your domestic. A great alternative whether the traditional pakoras get too monotonous for you. They’re also extremely easy to originate.
Ingredients:
Jalapeno peppers – 12
Chicken – 1 cup (boiled and shredded)
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Cheddar cheese – ½ cup (shredded)
Egg – 1 (lightly beaten)
Bread crumbs – 1 cup
Flour – ½ cup
Oil for frying
MethodSplit open the jalapenos and remove the seeds and membranes. Now combine the cheese and chicken, and add salt and pepper in it. Mix it well. Now stuff the mixture in jalapenos one by one. You can change the stuffing according to your taste. Maybe add cream cheese with peri sauce. Let the jalapenos chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Now coat the jalapenos with the flour,then the egg and in the close, bread crumbs. Heat oil in a pan and fry them.
All photos: Arhama Siddiqa
Source: tribune.com.pk