The holy month of Ramadan is a time of serenity and spirituality observed by millions of Muslims around the world. It honours the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While the exact date of Ramadan changes every year based on lunar cycles, it’s expected to begin on 12th April in 2021 and will last for 30 days.
During this time, the focus turns to inner reflection with Muslims fasting between sunrise and sunset, abstaining from food and drink in an effort to empathise with the less fortunate and be grateful for life’s many blessings. It’s also the season when the entire community comes together, performing charitable acts and inviting neighbours and friends for mindful meals with traditional dishes.
RAMADAN MEALS THAT DELIGHT
The family gathers at sunset for an iftar, a meal to break their fast. The faithful customarily break their fast with a date – a ritual not only rooted in religion but also proven to be incredibly healthy. Dates are renowned as a superfood and very effective in restoring energy levels after a long day of fasting. Fresh dates are also the gift of choice when visiting loved ones during the holy month so, for a luxurious twist on tradition, discover Bateel’s new artistic Ramadan collection.
This season sees an array of traditional Ramadan dishes lovingly prepared, often following time-honoured recipes passed down from generation to generation. One of the most popular dishes to share around the iftar table is the Harees. It consists of a lightly-spiced blend of mashed wheat and fresh meat. The wheat is soaked in water for a few hours before the meat – either lamb or chicken – is incorporated and cooked for a few hours. Once ready, the dish features a porridge-like consistency and is topped with fried onions and ghee (clarified butter) before being served.
Machboos is another traditional favourite where rice is slow-cooked with seasoned meat or seafood. While machboos recipes can vary across different Middle Eastern countries, local spices are always championed. Personalised Arabic bezaar blends of aromatic cumin, coriander seeds, peppercorns, fennel, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom and more lend an inimitable flavour, while whole dried limes (loomi) and saffron add an extra special touch.
Elaborate mezze platters of hummus and baba ganoush, hearty lamb stews, savoury samboosa pastries with spicy fillings, and moreish kebabs also feature in the feasts, with many of the dishes also popular choices for suhoor – the last meal before the sun rises and another day of fasting begins. Across the region, suhoor has become a cultural event in its own right with family and friends gathering at homes and restaurants to enjoy quality time together.
A HEALTHY IFTAR BY CAFÉ BATEEL
Blending Arabian inspiration with Mediterranean flavours, Café Bateel presents a special iftar menu that everyone can savour this Ramadan. Reflecting centuries of tradition, the dining experience begins with a small serving of Bateel’s world-renowned dates, while there’s a contrasting nod to culinary innovation in the form of a light, refreshing date shake made with creamy labneh.
Afterwards, guests can choose one starter, main and dessert from the curated Ramadan menu. Highlights include signature appetisers, such as the Levant Mezze Plate that features a contemporary take on Arabic classics with beetroot hummus and a carrot and cumin version, eggplant-based baba ganoush, red zaatar labneh, fresh halloumi salad, olives and goats’ cheese, served with toasted pita bread. There’s also the popular lentil soup, served with crunchy za’atar-spiced croutons.
The mains are equally impressive and with an array of inspired dishes to choose from. Take, for example, the Honey Braised Lamb – it takes the traditional stew served in many homes and gives it a contemporary twist with wild honey and rosemary jus, and farro grains. Meanwhile local spices abound in the Sicilian Chicken Piccata, where corn-fed chicken breast stuffed with spinach and ricotta is served with a delicate saffron and lemon risotto.
Café Bateel’s choice of Ramadan desserts also offer a unique twist on the occasion with the Bateel Date Pudding where talented chefs incorporate date dhibs in the warm date pudding for an indulgence that’s simply irresistible.
Taste a new twist on tradition with the Café Bateel Ramadan menu, available from sunset onwards for AED129 per person.
