Edible Rainbows: Eid il Fitr 2014

a belated entry~

Religious festivals tend to be a family event, and Eid is definitely not an exception for us. It's yet another reason for the entire family (including extended family members) to gather in one place.

Scary where the time goes, because Eil il Fitr was about a month ago now.

In my family, we normally take it in turns to host Eid. This time we all gathered at my grandmother's house. Due to having a fantastic day, weather wise, we decided to bring the party outside. Tables and chairs were brought onto the patio. Guests directed through the house, out through the kitchen and outside to enjoy the garden area.

DO YOU HAVE A TRADITION?

Simply put, yes. If we're at the house of a relative near the location of my grandfather's cemetery, then we will begin by meeting there. We pay our respects. I can't believe it's been just a little over 10 years since his passing. In Islamic culture, this is a tradition all should follow. Before beginning celebrations, you should be reminded of the lost loved ones. Once we've finished that, we'll head to the home of the host. Generally the men all gather in the living room, outside or the boys tend to be upstairs on a gaming console. While the women are in the kitchen working on preparations for the meal. Stereotypical I know, but it's our tradition. Occasionally, they will offer assistance, but not always. As women, we tend to do it better anyway, hehe ;)

FOOD

It is a big thing for Middle Eastern families. Our gatherings seem to revolve around them. Especially at this time of year (Eid il Fitr), when we've gone a whole month without food, fasting. So we rejoice and celebrate together. Also, you'll notice that because food plays an important part, families would not not gather to eat the food, but to prepare it too. So about 99% of the food you see below is actually homemade.

SO... WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO EAT?

Appetisers:
Pickled products, like olives and pickles
Salad - it's a must for us. We love it, especially me!
Cucumber yoghurt - self explanatory really
Hummus - a popular dip made from chickpeas and seasons with olive oil and mint leaves for decoration
Babba ganoush - it's an aubergine dip, mixed with onion, tomatoes and olive oil.

Sides:
Samosas - vegetable ones
Stuffing balls
Nann bread - cut into smaller portions, easier for digestion

Main:
Lasagne - not a vegetarian one. We love our meat too much XD
White rice - we always use Basmati, it tastes delicious, especially if you use butter when you cook it
Bulgar rice - looks like brown rice but has a different texture and taste
Flavoured rice - when cooked, flavouring was added (mixed herbs and some spice) to add to the lamb
Beethnjaan - an aubergine dish with minced beef, chopped onion, and tomatoes.
Chicken stew - mostly boned pieces of chicken within the sauce in a dish
Chicken goujons - the only shop bought item from the mains

Dessert:
Victoria Sponge (homemade)
Chocolate Cake (shop bought)
Fruit salad

I think that's everything, although I'm bound to miss something out ^^;

- CLICK THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE -

SIDE NOTE; I'm not sharing any photos of my family members. First, to keep privacy and second, because I know a large percentage don't wish for their photo to be shared online. So I must maintain that requirement.

WHAT I WORE