CHEFS MAKE THE BEST OF EID IN LOCKDOWN

LUTHO PASIYA

WE SPOKE to Chilli Chocolate Chefs Faatimah and Zainab Paruk about what spending Eid in lockdown was like for them, and the lessons they have learned.

Zainab Paruk: “Usually, Eid-al-Fitr is a special day for Muslims across the world and is a day spent with family and friends. However, last year, Eid was very different and something that I will never forget. I spent Eid with my husband’s family only. We took part in the morning Eid prayer, set a beautiful table with all of our favourites, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed the day together. The lessons I have learned in lockdown are to be happy and content, to be grateful for our family and loved ones, and to overlook some things,” she said.

This year Eid will be celebrated with our family and a few close friends. Planning has already begun to create the prettiest table settings, outfits, and most importantly the food. We also have a lot of elderly people in our family so we have prepared ourselves to follow strict Covid-19 protocols to have an enjoyable Eid with our family,” she added.

Faatimah Paruk: “Being in lockdown, we celebrated Eid at home with my immediate family (and sadly without my sister Zainab). Whilst I did miss seeing the rest of my extended family and the general buzzing Eid atmosphere, it was still an absolutely beautiful day. We went all out with our menu from starters, mains, and desserts and we also kept in touch with everyone else on video calls.

Chilli Chocolate Chefs Faatimah and Zainab Paruk.

The lockdown lesson I have learned is not to take anything for granted.

The year had been so overwhelming and it just made me realise and reflect on how much we take for granted in our everyday lives, from something small as a simple hug to even leaving your home.

“This year we will still be having a nice intimate Eid with our close family and friends. I have been a bit of an online shopping addict, all through lockdown, so I’m super keen to be able to style some of these outfits,” she said.

The sisters have also shared below ways you can make the occasion feel special at home.

● “Eid milk is an absolute must! We make sure ours is sweetened with lots of condensed milk and a generous handful of pistachios.

● Generally whilst fasting, we don’t usually eat too much seafood but for Eid, we also always look forward to a nice prawn dish and this year is no exception because we want to have peri-peri grilled prawns with savoury rice and a creamy lemon butter sauce. Alternatively, we may opt for a prawn paella for lunch. Serve this with a minted coriander yoghurt dip which balances the spiciness of the paella perfectly.

● Dessert is always big in our home and we both share a love for a good baked cheesecake.

We like to keep it simple but with an interesting topping. Often this is a crispy kunafah that’s topped with caramel sauce, edible roses, and sugared nuts,” they said.

Chilli Chocolate Chefs Spicy coriander and chicken Mexican rice

Ingredients:

500g chicken fillet (cubed)

2 cups basmati rice (boiled) 1 bunch coriander 3 green chillies 1 tomato

1/4 cup ghee or oil 1 onion (chopped fine) 1 tsp whole jeero 2 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 tsp ginger garlic paste 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp cumin and coriander powder 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp lemon pepper

Method:

Liquidise the coriander, green chillies, tomato and set aside. Heat the ghee in a pot and saute the onion with the jeero, cinnamon, and cloves until golden.

Add the ginger-garlic paste, salt, turmeric, and braise for a few minutes.

Add the cubed chicken and the coriander sauce and cook for a few minutes. Now add in the cumin and coriander powder, lemon pepper, and chilli powder.

Add in the cooked rice and steam in the oven. You can serve this with tzatziki and salsa.