As Eid approaches, we have gathered a collection of beloved Eid recipes for you and your family to prepare and enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for savory or sweet, our selection offers something for everyone to enjoy – Eid Mubarak!
What is EID?
Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha are two of the most important religious holidays for Muslims. While each day has its own meaning and celebration, the two days bring families together to worship and enjoy one another. Food is always a central part of the celebration.
What Can I Cook on Eid-Al-Fitr?
Dress in their best, devoted followers often enjoy a fresh bowl of sheer khurma together before heading to prayer. Other sweets consumed are gulab jamun, phirni, barfi, faluda, and chum chum.
What Eid Recipes Can I Cook on Eid-Al-Adha?
Eid-al-Adha, or Bakra Eid, is an Islamic holiday- known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.” It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to show obedience. One of the significant customs of Eid-al-Adha is sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep, goat, or cow, and distributing the meat among family, friends, and those in need. Some popular meals to prepare on this day include biryani, kabobs, qorma, or kabuli pulao.
Traditional Eid Recipes From Around the World
- 1. Koobideh Kabob
- 2. Zaalouk
- 3. Falafel
- 4. Kaleji Recipe
- 5. Aloo Keema
- 6. Moroccan Meatballs
- 7. Seekh Kabob Fry
- 8. Bhuna Gosht
- 9. Saç Kavurma
- 10. Grilled Tandoori Chicken
- 11. Chicken Karahi
- 12. Authentic Chana Masala Recipe
- 13. Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
- 14. Mutton Biryani
- 15. Indian Mango Lassi
- 16. Sheer Khurma Recipe
- 17. Muhalabieh
- 18. Halawet El Jibn
- 19. E-I-D Letter Cream Cookie
Appetizer Recipes
1. Koobideh Kabob
Country of Origin: Iran
If you’re a fan of grilled meat, koobideh kabob is the meal for you! This mouthwatering Iranian dish is a labor of love that combines ground beef, grated onion, salt, and pepper to form kabobs that we top with saffron butter. Grilled over an open flame- the kabob’s are tender and juicy, with a crispy char that adds smokiness to every bite. We serve ours with basmati rice, lavash, or saffron rice.
If you prefer chicken, make grilled joojeh kabob!
2. Zaalouk
Country of Origin: Morocco
A few simple ingredients are all you need to make zaalouk, a simple Moroccan-style cooked salad made from roasted eggplant, fresh tomato, and warm spices.
3. Falafel
Country of Origin: Lebanon
Serve this Lebanese falafel recipe made with chickpeas, parsley, and cilantro. It’s nutritious and perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Serve these mouth-watering falafels with salads or inside wraps and sandwiches.
Eid Main Dishes
Beef Recipes
4. Kaleji Recipe
Country of Origin: Pakistan
My kaleji recipe is perfect for events and gatherings like Bakra Eid. The beef liver simmers in onion, ginger, and garlic masala. Serve it as is or with fresh bread like paratha, naan, or roti. If you’re on the fence about liver, that’s okay; this is the most delicious way to eat the nutrient-dense protein. For another variation, try chicken kaleji.
5. Aloo Keema
Country of Origin: Pakistan
Treat yourself to authentic, one-pot Pakistani aloo keema, a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes sautéed in a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and lots of spice. I serve the easy, homestyle meal with naan, roti, or basmati rice. You can also make the recipe with lamb or goat using my aloo gosht recipe.
6. Moroccan Meatballs
Country of Origin: Morocco
Moroccan Meatballs or kefta tagine combines warmly spiced meatballs simmered in a tomato-based sauce flavored with onion, garlic, ginger, and dates.
7. Seekh Kabob Fry
Country of Origin: India and Pakistan
Seekh kabob fry is full of flavor and melts in your mouth. It is the perfect Eid breakfast, appetizer, lunch, or dinner.
Lamb and Mutton Recipes
8. Bhuna Gosht
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Make mutton bhuna gosht comprised of tender goat pieces that cook alongside spices, onion, garlic, and ginger for a bold, rich flavor.
9. Saç Kavurma
Country of Origin: Turkey
Sac kavurma is a simple Turkish dish made with lamb meat, onion, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. You only need about 30 minutes to prepare this easy yet festive meal. Serve it with lavash, pide bread, çoban salatasi, or haydari.
Chicken Recipes
10. Grilled Tandoori Chicken
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Grilled tandoori chicken cooks on the grill and delivers the traditional smoky flavor; it’s the perfect addition to any cookout, picnic, or Eid gathering. If you don’t have access to a grill, then bake tandoori chicken in the oven.
11. Chicken Karahi
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Bring home the restaurant-style flavor with our authentic tomato-based chicken karahi. It’s ready and on the table in 45 minutes. Or you can make it with goat or lamb using my karahi gosht recipe.
Vegetarian Recipes
12. Authentic Chana Masala Recipe
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Restaurant-style chana masala is loaded with flavor and comes together in 40 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. It serves as a stand-alone meal or a tasty side dish.
Rice Recipes
13. Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Instant Pot chicken biryani cooks in one hour and combines chicken, long-grained basmati rice, caramelized onion, and warm spices! Treat yourself to mouth-watering biryani without setting aside most of your day to make it. Or you can try chicken tikka biryani!
14. Mutton Biryani
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Mutton biryani is a beautifully spiced dish with fragrant layers of rice centered with juicy, tender mutton and spices.
Drink Recipes
15. Indian Mango Lassi
Country of Origin: India and Pakistan
Indian mango lassi is made from mango, yogurt, honey, and freshly ground cardamom, and it’s the perfect companion for a hot day!
Dessert Recipes
16. Sheer Khurma Recipe
Country of Origin: Pakistan and India
Make my sheer khurma recipe, a creamy milk porridge with dates, sugar, vermicelli noodles, almonds, and pistachios.
17. Muhalabieh
Country of Origin: Iran
Enjoy this creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding, Muhalabieh, infused with rosewater and topped with crushed pistachios.
18. Halawet El Jibn
Country of Origin: Syria
Enjoy halawet el jibn, a Middle Eastern dessert made of delectable sweet cheesy rolls that melt-in-the-mouth! It is perfect to serve on any occasion, especially holidays like Eid!
Festive Recipes
19. E-I-D Letter Cream Cookie
Nothing is more festive than a dessert cookie that spells out Eid. Can you imagine this as the centerpiece for your table?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Eid celebrated twice a year?
• Eid-Al-Fitr or Small Eid culminates the end of Ramadan, a month-long time of fasting and prayer. Eid-Al-Fitr is also called “Sweet Eid”, and it marks a time to celebrate respite and the end of fasting.
• Eid-Al-Adha or “Big Eid” commemorates the sacrifice Prophet Abraham was willing to make before God intervened. For that reason, Eid-Al-Adha is often called the meat Eid.
When is Eid 2023?
Eid follows the lunar calendar, so the date changes each year. Here in the United States, Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on Thursday, April 20, 2023, or Friday, April 21, 2023. Eid-Al-Adha will fall on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
How do people celebrate Eid?
• Devout followers offer prayer.
• Friends and family gather in homes.
• Gifts and money are exchanged, especially among the elders and children.
• Food is central to every celebration. People gather in homes or at the mosque to break bread with others- a full table is a happy table as far as Eid is concerned!
What can I cook for Pakistani Eid dawat?
• Brunch or Lunch: Welcome guests with appetizers and snacks like samosas or haldi ram. Or you can serve lighter meals like kaleji, chana chat, nihari, seekh kabob, shami kabob, or seviyan.
• Dinner: Celebratory meals like nihari, Haleem, biriyani, bhuna gosht, and pulao are a great way to entertain family and friends.
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