Celebrating Eid
Celebrating Eid al-Fatir with Epicure Ambassador Reem Alquraishi
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a period of fasting, spiritual reflection, and devotion for Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is a time for self-discipline, introspection, and increased charity and good deeds.
Eid al-Fitr – occurring this year on April 20-21 in North America – marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and is a time of celebration and gratitude. It is a day of joy, forgiveness, and giving thanks to Allah. Muslims typically attend special morning prayers, give gifts to children, and spend time with family and friends.
Reem’s inspiration
I try to celebrate it with my son as I did when I was young. I will have a gift 🎁 for him, dress in new clothes, and have a breakfast feast.
Reem’s family traditions, Epicurized
I try to replicate as much as possible meals from my childhood, including:
Shakshuka
A Middle Eastern one-pot breakfast made with eggs in a delicious chunky tomato sauce
Baklava
A layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and honey.
Reem’s Manoosha with Za’atar Seasoning
A flatbread topped with Za’atar and olive oil. You can use pre-made naan bread if you're lazy 😅. I’m so happy this year because I don’t have to search for Za’atar—Epicure has it!
Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp powdered milk
¼ cup oil
½ tsp baking powder
3 cups of flour
Shredded cheese, optional
Directions:
Combine the yeast, sugar, powdered milk, and ½ cup of warm water in a large bowl. The water should not be too hot, or the yeast will not proof. Mix together and set aside for about 10 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, remaining water, and salt to the proofed yeast. Begin mixing on low speed using a mixer stand with a dough hook or knead by hand. Slowly add the oil and increase the speed until fully combined. If the dough is sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Lightly flour a bowl and place the dough ball inside. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm area for an hour until doubled in size.
Divide into 12 balls and let rest for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a Sheet Pan with a Sheet Liner.
On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball to 6 inches in diameter – or as large as you like. Place the flattened dough on the prepared baking sheet.
Create a paste using olive oil (approx. ¼ cup) and Za’atar Seasoning (as much as you like) and use a Basting Brush to brush onto the dough. Sprinkle with cheese, optional.
Sharing joy and gratitude
Ramadan and Eid are significant for Muslims worldwide and are times of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Families celebrate in different ways, but food and traditional dishes play an important role in bringing people together and sharing joy and gratitude.
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