Ramadan is HERE, Let be Prepared!!!

RAMADAN IS HEEREEE!!

Before I get into the main topic of this entry, Ramadan Preparations, I wanted to share a little about the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, the month in which the Holy Quran “was sent down as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment” (2:185). One of the most visible ways in which Muslims observe the month of Ramadan is by abstaining from food and drink (fasting) from dawn to sunset. The Quran says “Oh yea who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint” (2:183).

Ramadan is not just about not being able to eat, in fact that may be seen as the easier part of observing this Holy Month. “Ramadhan is a struggle to be more obedient to G-d by working to improve your discipline to keep your human form in the group picture”- Hakim Sabree. Ramadan for me is a renewal of spirit and faith, where you strive to improve your entire life! Trying to stay in this frame of mind, as I prepare for Ramadan I try to streamline my daily routines as to not distract from the month’s observations. As this is a food blog, here is how I prepared my kitchen for Ramadan:

The Ramadan Essential Shopping

This year I strived to very proactive with my Ramadan prep (can’t pretend that I have always been this prepared), I made a list of what I thought would make Sahoor (meal before the start of the fast) /Iftar (the meal at the breaking of the fast) cooking much easier. I went to Costco (along with every other Muslim in the Northern VA area, lol) and got stocked! But this is the thing, just don’t (like most) just buy out the entire store, shop smart! Here are my essentials:

• Rice, Pasta, bread (bagel thins and whole grain wraps), Cereal, Crackers
• Eggs, Milk, Butter, Cheese, Yogurt (individual size and large Plain)
• Pigeon Peas, Chick Peas, Corn, Tomato Paste, Pasta Sauce
• Onions, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, avocado, salad greens, tomatoes
• Fruit: Apples (to make apple sauce), mango, water melon, frozen strawberries & blueberries (to make smoothies) POM pomegranate juice, dates
• Broccoli, Stir Fry Veg mix, Green beans
• Ground Turkey, Talapia, Shrimp
• VITAMINS

This list did not include the things I keep on hand, for those items check my past post: "Welcome to my Journey"

· Before shopping, try to clean out your refrigerator (this also helps you assess what items you really need to restock).

· After you shop, organize and put away all your items. If you shop a big box store like Coscto, take everything out of the extra packaging and put them away.

· Try to keep your pantry and freezer stocked, so that you don’t find yourself having to run to the grocery every week!

This Ramadan I will be focusing my blog on helping you prepare healthy and fast Sahoor/Iftar and creating a special and memorable feast for the celebration of Eid Ul-Fitr.

I hope this post is beneficial to those of you who are observing Ramadan as well as my friends of other faiths!

Ramadan Mubarak.. Blessed Ramadan..

Essentials Questions

Rosie asked " what is Organic No Salt Seasoning and how would i use it?" I think this is a great question, feel free to ask for further explanation of any products or terms you may not be familiar with!!

Here's the answer to your question Rosie!!

Organic No Salt Seasoning - Kirkland Brand from Costco

A blend of 21 organic spices and ingredients from around the world including: onion, garlic, carrot, parsley, rosemary, and basil just to name a few.

This is my GO TO seasoning for EVERYTHING under the sun, great to use on veggies esp in place of salt. You can also use it as part of a dry rub for poultry or seafood, and you can always shake a dash in your scrambled eggs for a little extra pazzaz!!

Happy Eating...

Seasoning Essentials

As promised here are the recipes for Green Seasoning and Pepper Sauce.

So you may be asking, what are these things?? and why should I try them??

Green Seasoning is best described as a wet rub used for seasoning poultry and seafood as well as in rices and stews. Its very closely related to Sofrito, as it a common seasoning base for most dishes.

Pepper sauce, is well exactly that a sauce made from peppers, hot peppers. It is NOT hot sauce!! Also NOT Jerk seasoning!!

Of course, you can always purchase of these in the stores (only stores that sell Caribbean food).

Brands that i look for:

Chief- Green Seasonings

Matouks - Green Seasonings, Calypso Sauce (pepper sauce)

Maraval Harvest Pepper Sauce- check it out on Facebook and Twitter. This is a family company, everything is made by my Uncle Don Procope. Its the real deal and amazing!!

Email orders/inquiries- maravalharvest@gmail.com

There are many variations on recipes for both green seasoning and pepper sauce, every Trini household does thier's slightly different. The recipes i will share with you are from my mother, this is what i make in my home as well.

Green Seasonings

• 1 bunch Celery
• 3 Onions (medium)
• 2 bunches Scallion
• 3 heads of Garlic
• ½ bundle Shado Beni* (Culantro), can substitute cilantro
• 3 aji dulce or pimento seasoning peppers
• ½ C White Vinegar

*optional

Peel the garlic and chop the cloves

Take the stems off the peppers

Chop celery, onion, scallion and shado beni

Put all ingredients in large bowl

Combine all ingredients in small amounts half the white vinegar in blender or food processor.

Keep adding in the rest of the chopped ingredients and liquid as needed until you reach a smooth consistency.

Blend until smooth (no larger piece)

This will yield about a 36oz bottle. Keep refrigerated.

Pepper Sauce

• 1 Christophine or chayote*, peeled and thinly sliced.

• Combine with ¼ C white vinegar, blend until smooth (no large pieces), then empty in large bowl.

• 3 carrots shredded; repeat blender process, empty into bowl with previous ingredients.

• 20 scotch bonnets or Jamaican peppers, remove stems; repeat blender process, then empty into bowl with previous ingredients.

• Final mix 2 tbsp of mustard (for color) and a few pinches of salt – Combine well!!

*If you can not find Christophine, substitute using only carrots.

Put in a bottle, and refrigerator.

Pictures coming soon!

Welcome to my journey!

This my official first post, how exciting!!

The first step on our journey will be to acquaint you with my cooking essentials. There are a few staple in my kitchen that i just can not live with out!

In the Refrigerator
Trinidad Butter - Golden Ray Margarine (can not be found everywhere, my mom usually brings me a supply every time she visits) Look for it in any Caribbean specialty food markets.

Green Seasonings - Recipe coming soon
Pepper Sauce - Recipe coming soon
Ketchup- Yes i said Ketchup!!

Produce
Onions
Garlic
Ginger
Carrots
Sweet Peppers

Pantry
Sea Salt/ Pepper
Thyme
Rosemary
Red Pepper Flakes
CHIEF Curry powder - only CHIEF!!
Organic No salt seasoning from Costco
Bay Leaf
Chicken Bouillon
Coconut Milk powder
Angostura Bitters

Most everything i make has some of these items in it, its my must have list. Try a couple in your kitchen.

Happy Cooking- Naimah