Bakrid, also referred to as Eid Al-Adha or Eid Qurban, is a significant annual occasion observed by the Muslim community, in the Indian subcontinent as well as across the world. This holy festival falls on the 10th day of the final i.e. 12th month of Dhu Al-Hijjah, according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
This divine day starts with Muslims engaging in early morning prayers and conveying heartfelt wishes to neighbours, friends and relatives.
The spirit of this blessed celebration lies in the fact that no person should be left feeling hungry amidst the sacrificial feast. The fortunate people are encouraged to be generous, selfless, kind; to donate food and a portion of their earnings to charity, to support poor, deprived individuals.
After performing all the rituals, family members enjoy a banquet, consisting of biryani, raita, paratha, curry and sweets. This is typically followed by sipping on a cup of piping hot tea, which acts as a digestive aid, to ensure optimal metabolism and that all the food is assimilated properly in the system.
Wellness Incentives Of Consuming A Cup Of Tea Post Meals:
Simple herbal tea recipes prepared with organic plant-based elements, dry tea leaves, spices and seasonings derived from Mother Nature, comprise a treasure trove of essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants. They are indeed a proven remedy for a host of stomach-related disorders, ranging from gastric problems, bloating due to heartburn, abdominal cramps and flatulence. When ingested following a substantial meal, they facilitate smooth digestion and promote gut health.
Moreover, sipping on some comforting herbal tea immensely amplifies the internal defence mechanism of the body, shields against respiratory infections, decreases joint aches and pacifies the mind.
Time-Honoured Tea Recipes For Bakrid, An Important Religious Event:
Thinking of which elements from the kitchen cabinets to incorporate, to create a nourishing herbal tea, for some magical finishing touches ensuing a lavish festival buffet with family? Well, we have the best solution for you!
Two historically famous and conventional teas, from geographically and culturally diverse locales of India - Kahwa Chai from Kashmir in the North and Sulaimani Chai from Kerala in the South.
So go ahead, brew some good old desi chai recipes this Eid Al-Adha, for the perfect happy and healthy ending, to a vast, mouth-watering festive spread.
Sulaimani Chai
This classic tea has its origins in the idyllic coastal district of Malabar, part of the beautiful southern Indian state of Kerala. First concocted as a drink to foster friendly conversations and economic relations between Arab spice traders from the gulf and local Indian merchants, “Sulaiman” actually translates to “Man Of Peace” in Arabic. Packed with a generous dose of tangy lemon essence, alongside varied condiments, the golden-hued Sulaimani chai is not just the ideal ambrosial drink truly fit for the Gods but will quite literally transport your taste buds to heaven as well!
Ingredients:
2 tbsp green tea leaves
1 tsp black pepper seeds
1 tsp star anise
½ big lemon, sliced
2 tsp jaggery powder
3 cups water
Method:
Grind the black pepper seeds, star anise using a mortar and pestle.
In a deep vessel, boil water and then transfer the crushed spices.
Steep the tea leaves into the hot liquid mixture for 5 minutes.
On a low flame, add the lemon pieces, jaggery powder into the mix and stir for 2 minutes.
Turn off the stove, filter the enticing Sulaimani chai into teacups, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
Green tea leaves are bestowed with catechins, which diminish wrinkles, fine lines, to enrich skin texture and reverse the age-clock. Abundant in piperine, black pepper lowers the risk of cancer, while star anise contains the potent compound anethole, for increasing lactation and managing menopause symptoms. Jaggery is rich in iron, to tackle anaemia and lemon juice is imbued with vitamin C, to bolster immunity. Also Read: Natural Immune Boosters: Calming, Aromatic Herbal Teas To Combat Monsoon Maladies
Kahwa Chai
Hailing from the scenic northern Indian union territory of Jammu And Kashmir laden with snow-capped mountains, “Kahwa” means “Sweetened Tea” in the regional language of Kashmiri. A delicacy bearing a lovely amber sunset shade, it is made with plants that flourish in the rocky valley areas of North India. Encompassing infusions of the subtly sweet, aromatic saffron strands, in addition to vibrant pink rose petals that carry a pleasing floral fragrance, Kahwa chai is more than just a mere cup of steamy tea. It is, in fact, a blissful cocktail that awakens the senses!
Ingredients:
9 - 11 dried rose petals
A few threads of saffron
1 inch cinnamon stalk
4 small cardamom pods
3 tsp sugar
2 cups water
Method:
Pound the cinnamon and cardamom into a fine powder using a heavy ladle or spatula.
Heat water on medium flame in a saucepan, along with the minced spices.
Add the rose petals, sugar crystals and cook for 3 minutes.
Now, pour in the green tea leaves and immerse thoroughly for 5 minutes.
Switch off the stovetop, distil the delightful Kahwa chai into glasses and top it off with saffron filaments. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
Green tea leaves are instilled with the goodness of polyphenols for accelerating weight loss. Being a storehouse of anthocyanins, rose petals help detoxify the liver and with intrinsic aphrodisiac qualities, saffron heightens sexual functions. Cinnamon holds profuse quantities of coumarin complexes, to reinforce cardiac muscles, preserve heart health and cardamom is renowned for its stimulating bioactive chemicals that alleviate depression. Also Read: Elaichi: Marvellous Health Benefits Of This Aromatic Spice
Netmeds.com Wishes All Its Customers A Very Joyful Eid Al-Adha!
