Deutsch: Adha / Español: Adha / Português: Adha / Français: Adha / Italiano: Adha

Adha (Arabic: عداء) does not have a specific culinary meaning in the context of food. But Eid al-Adha, which is a significant Islamic holiday has a relevant culinary context that can be discussed.

Description of Eid al-Adha in the Food Context

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic celebrations and is associated with specific culinary practices. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God provided him with a ram to sacrifice instead. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice a permissible animal (commonly a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice.

Culinary Practices during Eid al-Adha

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for friends and relatives, and one part for the poor and needy. This practice underscores the holiday’s spirit of giving and charity. Various dishes are then prepared with the meat depending on regional cuisines.

Well-Known Dishes Prepared during Eid al-Adha

• Biryani: A spiced rice and meat dish that is popular in South Asia.
• Kebabs: Grilled meat dishes found in many Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.
• Harira: A rich soup in Moroccan cuisine, often made with lamb, tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas, served during Eid celebrations.

Recipes

Basic Lamb Biryani Recipe: Ingredients:

• 500 grams of lamb, cut into pieces
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons biryani masala
• 1 cup yogurt
• Saffron strands, a few soaked in warm milk
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Marinate Lamb: Mix lamb pieces with yogurt, half of the biryani masala, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Cook Rice: Wash the basmati rice and cook it with water and a pinch of salt until it is about 75% cooked. Drain and set aside.
3. Fry Onions: In a large pot, heat oil and fry onions until golden brown. Set aside some fried onions for garnishing.
4. Cook Lamb: In the same pot, add marinated lamb and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the lamb is tender and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Layer Rice and Lamb: Layer the cooked lamb and partially cooked rice in the pot. Sprinkle the remaining biryani masala, saffron-infused milk, and fried onions on top.
6. Steam Cook: Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on a low flame for about 20-30 minutes or until the rice and lamb are fully cooked.
7. Serve: Serve hot garnished with the reserved fried onions, accompanied by raita or salad.

Summary

While "adha" itself is not directly related to food, the practices surrounding Eid al-Adha involve specific culinary traditions that are integral to the celebration of this important religious festival. These traditions highlight communal sharing and charity, making them a significant part of the observance.

--