6 Must-Try Recipes for a Joyous Celebration
By Neha Shamim
Eid is more than just a holiday – it’s a feeling, a moment of joy that brings loved ones together in gratitude and celebration. The warmth of family, the laughter of friends, and the aroma of home-cooked meals fill the air, making the day truly magical. Cooking on Eid isn’t just about preparing meals; it’s about weaving memories, embracing traditions, and expressing love through flavors that linger in our hearts long after the feast is over. Whether you’re hosting a lavish Eid lunch, a cozy family dinner, or a festive gathering, these carefully selected recipes will help you create a table filled with delicious food and cherished moments.
Photo Source: Shreyak Singh
Classic Mutton Biryani
Ingredients:
- 1 kg mutton, cut into pieces
- 3 cups basmati rice, soaked
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 4 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 cardamoms
- ½ cup mint and coriander leaves, chopped
- 4 cups water
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk
- Ghee or oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a large pot, fry onions until golden, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add whole spices, then mutton, ginger-garlic paste, and cook until browned.
- Add tomatoes, yogurt, spices, and cook until the mutton is tender.
- Cook rice separately until 70% done.
- Layer the mutton and rice, sprinkle fried onions, saffron milk, and mint-coriander.
- Cover and cook on low heat (Dum) for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with raita and salad.
Photo Source: Nathan Dumlao
Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt, spices, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and oil to make a marinade.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve hot with naan and mint chutney.
Chicken Korma
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, finely sliced
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- ½ cup cream
- 3 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Mix in yogurt, spices, and cook until the chicken is tender.
- Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve with naan or paratha.
Photo Source: Rashphal Singh
Shami Kebabs
Ingredients:
- 500g minced meat (beef/mutton)
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Cook minced meat with dal, spices, and onions until soft.
- Blend the mixture into a thick paste.
- Form patties and dip in beaten egg.
- Shallow fry until golden brown.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
Kheer (Rice Pudding)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice, ground into a coarse paste
- 1 liter milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- ¼ cup almonds, crushed
- Saffron strands for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil milk and add the ground rice.
- Stir continuously until thickened.
- Add sugar, cardamom, and nuts.
- Pour into serving bowls, garnish with saffron, and chill before serving.
Nawabi Shemai (Royal Sweet Vermicelli)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shemai (vermicelli)
- 1 liter full cream milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup khoya (milk solids)
- ¼ cup almonds, pistachios, and raisins
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp ghee
Instructions:
- Fry vermicelli in ghee until golden.
- Boil milk, add sugar and cardamom powder.
- Stir in khoya and cook until slightly thickened.
- Add fried vermicelli and nuts, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Eid is incomplete without a table filled with love and delicious food. Whether you’re serving up a fragrant Biryani, indulging in a creamy Korma, or ending the feast with a rich dessert, these dishes will elevate your Eid celebration. Cook with love, share with joy, and make this Eid a truly memorable one.
