Monday, 19 June 2017

Ramadan also romanized as Ramazan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.

The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is fardh (obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, chronically ill or menstruating. Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory during the month of Sha'ban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. Fatwas have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a natural phenomenon such as the midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca, but the more commonly accepted opinion is that Muslims in those areas should follow the timetable of the closest country to them in which night can be distinguished from day.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting except in self-defense. Food and drinks are served daily, before dawn and after sunset, referred to as Suhoor and Iftar respectively. Spiritual rewards for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of Ramadan. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers), recitation of the Quran and an increase of doing good deeds and charity. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity.

It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy and sane, and have no disabilities or illnesses. Many children endeavor to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Each day, before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the Suhur. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr. At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar.

In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition, Muhammad broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.

Social gatherings, many times in a buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, and particularly those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages.

In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more main dishes, and various kinds of desserts. Usually, the dessert is the most important part during iftar. Typical main dishes are lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, or roast chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. A rich dessert, such as luqaimat, baklava or kunafeh (a buttery, syrup-sweetened kadaifi noodle pastry filled with cheese), concludes the meal.

Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at masjid or banquet halls for 100 or more diners. For our 97th #Foodiemonday bloghop event we are back with the theme of #Ramadanspecial and these mouthwatering Aloo masala sandwich is the perfect option to serve your family in Iftar time.

A tasty aloo masala packed between slices of bread lined with tongue-tickling chutney, the Masala Sandwich is surely one sumptuous snack that will keep you going for an hour or two. You can Toast it in a sandwich toaster. It is a typical trademark of street-side food. Check out the recipe below and Enjoyy!!! Ramadan Kareem :)

Monday, 12 June 2017

A Donut is a type of fried dough confectionery or dessert food. The Donut is popular in many countries and prepared in various forms as a sweet snack that can be homemade or purchased in bakeries, supermarkets, food stalls, and franchised specialty outlets. They are usually deep-fried from a flour dough, and typically either ring-shaped or without a hole, and often filled. You can also bake them, I am making here baked donuts, They are so tasty, delicious, Soft and spongy and Glazed them with chocolate flavor.

These are the Mini Donuts, so you can easily give your kids in their lunch box, They can simply bite them and enjoy these yummy donuts in their lunch break. As I gave these to Prisha in her lunch box, and she finished them off, which was so so surprising for me, as she don't finish her lunch box properly :( I need to try something which she can have it in her lunch break. today she told me that her friend got noodles in her lunch box, and she also wants to have it in her lunch box ;) Lol.. If I offer her to have noodles she will definitely refuse to have it. Its very tough to convince them to have this or that food. These donuts are beautiful, colorful and yummy. Normally donuts are fried, here I am trying to make them baked. And they came out so nicely and its a no fail recipe. Ssending this entry to our 96th #Foodiemonday #bloghop event an this time our theme is #somethingbaked. so for this event my contribution is baked donuts. o check out the baked version of mini donuts and enjoy it :)

2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together Yogurt and sugar. Then add milk, oil, and vanilla essence; mixing until well combined. Gently stir in the flour mixture, whisking until there are no lumps.

4. fill each donuts pan 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the donuts comes out clean. Place donuts on a cooling rack and cool completely.

How to make Donuts Glaze

Ingredients:1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tbsp milk or water

2 tsp pure vanilla extract.

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Slowly stir in milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until silky and smooth. If you need a touch more milk to make this a dippable glaze, add a bit more.

Dip doughnuts in chocolate glaze and let rest to harden slightly.

Doughnuts are best served the day they’re made. They also freeze just fine!

Monday, 5 June 2017

Spaghetti Italian pronunciation is a long, thin, cylindrical, solid pasta. It is a staple food of traditional Italian cuisine. Like other pasta, spaghetti is made of milled wheat and water. Italian spaghetti is made from durum wheat semolina, but elsewhere it may be made with other kinds of flour.

Originally spaghetti was notably long, but shorter lengths gained in popularity during the latter half of the 20th century and now spaghetti is most commonly available lengths. A variety of pasta dishes are based on it. At its simplest, spaghetti can be formed using no more than a rolling pin and a knife. A home pasta machine simplifies the rolling, and makes the cutting more uniform. Fresh spaghetti would normally be cooked within hours of being formed. Commercial versions of 'fresh' spaghetti are manufactured.

Spaghetti is frequently served with tomato sauce, which may contain various herbs, (especially oregano and basil), olive oil, meat, or vegetables. Grated hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, Parmesan and Grana Padano, are often sprinkled on top.

I love an easy one pot pasta recipe for a
weeknight meal. I make lots of different versions and this is one of my
favorites for being super light but also so creamy and very decadent
feeling. The spaghetti soak up
the flavor from the vegetable broth and tomatoes and it makes them so
rich. check out the recipe below and Enjoyy!!